Monkey Island Park

A Tranquil Escape in the City

Tucked away along Claremont Boulevard in Berkeley, Monkey Island Park is one of those peaceful escapes that locals treasure. This little piece of green serenity offers a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life - a place where you can catch your breath and reconnect with nature without leaving the city.

The park's gentle walking paths wind through lush greenery, excellent for those days when you just need to stretch your legs or clear your head. It's become something of a neighborhood living room, where people gather for casual meetups or simply find a quiet spot to sit with their thoughts.

A Touch of History

There's something special about spending time in a place with stories to tell. Back before the 1900s, this spot was home to a natural spring that cascaded down from Garber Street hill, creating a pond where farmers would bring their cattle during hot summer months.

The renowned painter William Keith even captured this pastoral scene in his work - imagine that! When the 'Claremont Court' subdivision was developed around 1906 (reportedly one of America's first suburban neighborhoods), the spring was captured by a water company, a culvert was built, and this lovely park was born.

Why "Monkey Island"?

No, you won't find any monkeys swinging from tree to tree here (though that would be quite the sight!). The quirky name comes from a Monkey tree planted here sometime in the 1920s. Over the years, this tree grew enormous and became the unofficial headquarters for neighborhood kids playing tag, hide-and-seek, and who knows what other adventures.

Eventually, the mighty tree grew so large it had to be removed as a safety precaution. But its whimsical legacy lives on in the park's charming name.

What to Do Here

The park's open grassy areas are great for a picnic blanket or a small birthday celebration. It's nothing fancy - and that's exactly what makes it special. The clean, quiet setting creates a wonderful backdrop for simple pleasures like reading a book or watching clouds drift by.

In recent years, they've added tables and chairs under one of the large shade trees, making it even easier to enjoy an outdoor lunch or catch up with friends in comfort.

Four-Legged Friends Welcome

If you're a dog parent, you'll appreciate the park's dog-friendly environment. This is prime territory for pups to socialize and burn off some energy while you chat with fellow pet owners. You can find dog waste bags available on-site too - a thoughtful touch that helps keep the space clean for everyone.

It's amazing how dogs can bring people together, and here they've become an integral part of the park's community vibe.

Finding Your Way

Situated in Berkeley's historic Claremont neighborhood, the park is easy to reach whether you're a local or just exploring the area. Since the pandemic, this green space has become a place where neighbors meet and enjoy the fresh air together.