Prince Street Mini Park

Your Neighborhood Hideaway

Positioned in Berkeley's Lorin District between California and King Streets, Prince Street Mini Park is a pocket-sized green retreat that offers a breath of fresh air from city life. Small but mighty, this little park is a quiet escape for locals and anyone passing through the area.

A Bit of History

This mini oasis came to life in the late 1960s or early 1970s during a time when Berkeley was busy creating small parks throughout the flatlands. Born from a mix of passionate community activism and some pretty generous federal funding, Prince Street Mini Park was part of a movement to bring green spaces to neighborhoods that had gone without them for too long.

What You'll Find

At about 0.15 acres (that's roughly 6,530 square feet), this park makes the most of its compact footprint. While it may not be sprawling, it packs in just enough to make it a worthwhile destination, especially if you've got little ones in tow.

The heart of the park is its playground, complete with a swing set and a play structure that's ideal for toddlers and younger children who need to burn off some energy. There's also a small grassy area where you can spread out a blanket, and several trees dotting the landscape provide welcome shade on sunny Berkeley afternoons.

Taking a Break

When it's time to rest, you'll find one picnic table and about two benches scattered throughout the space. The playground sits on a sand surface that doubles as part of the play zone - ideal for little ones who enjoy digging almost as much as swinging.

Good to Know

Note that dogs aren't allowed in the children's play areas - you'll see signs posted to remind everyone. This helps keep the playground clean and safe for its youngest visitors.

Fresh Updates

The park got a complete makeover in the late 1990s, with renovations wrapping up in 2000. This refresh ensured that the park's modest but important amenities stayed relevant and useful for the neighborhood.