Strawberry Creek Park

A Creekside Haven in Berkeley

Strawberry Creek Park spans 3.7 acres in Berkeley, California, occupying what was once a Santa Fe Railroad freight yard. Dedicated on November 5, 1983, this thoughtfully designed green space earned the highest Environmental Planning Award in the Neighborhood Park category from the California Parks and Recreation Society in 1984. A notable feature was the reopening and restoration of Strawberry Creek to its original path through the landscape.

Nature at the Heart

The restored Strawberry Creek is central to the park's character. On warm days, you can find kids and grown-ups alike dipping their toes in the shallow water or searching for tiny crawdads among the stones. The gentle sounds of flowing water create a calm atmosphere as you wander through the park, and the creek naturally divides the space into distinct areas.

Surrounding the creek, you'll find California native plantings that were selected for both their low maintenance needs and their support of the local ecosystem. Mature trees provide shade throughout the park, offering relief on sunny Berkeley afternoons when you want a cool place to read or chat with friends.

Play and Recreation Options

The school-age playground got a fresh update in 2020 as part of the park's Phase 2 improvements. Kids particularly love the rope climbing structure and the notably steep slide that provides just the right amount of thrill for older children. There's also a sand pit and swings to round out the play options. If you're bringing younger kids, just keep in mind that some of these features might need a bit of supervision.

For those looking to get active, the park offers plenty of options: basketball courts, tennis courts, and a volleyball court cater to different sports interests. The fenced soccer court/futsal area provides a dedicated space for friendly matches, while the multipurpose turf and open grassy areas welcome everything from frisbee games to yoga practice.

A Place to Gather and Unwind

Across the park, you'll come across picnic areas with tables and benches, some equipped with BBQ facilities and fire pits - ideal for family gatherings or weekend cookouts. The generous lawn spaces invite afternoon picnics, impromptu games, or simply stretching out with a good book.

Despite being in a residential area near several schools, Strawberry Creek Park maintains a peaceful atmosphere. The winding paths and established trees create quiet spaces throughout the park. Locals often describe it as a "serene area" or "urban oasis."

You can find clean public restrooms with water fountains, including a convenient water bottle filling station, which were recently rebuilt as part of the park improvements.

Beyond the Greenery

One of the unique aspects of this park is The Hidden Cafe, housed in a historic brick building right next to the green space. It's an excellent spot to grab coffee, a bite to eat, or sometimes even ice cream before or after enjoying the park. The vintage architecture adds character to the landscape and strengthens the community feel of the whole area.

Good to Know

The park welcomes visitors daily from 6AM to 10PM. Note that street parking can be limited around the park, so you might want to consider alternative transportation if possible. Dogs are welcome but should technically be leashed - though regular visitors might tell you this rule isn't always strictly followed.

Ongoing Care

A Phase 1 renovation completed in March 2019 brought several improvements including resurfaced volleyball, tennis, and soccer courts, new fencing, and better accessibility features. These continuing upgrades reflect ongoing maintenance and community investment in the park.