Willard Park

A Neighborhood's Green Heart

Tucked into Southeast Berkeley, Willard Park spans a modest 2.72 acres but packs in enough charm to have kept locals coming back since the late 1960s. This green space has been part of the neighborhood for over five decades now.

At its core lies a spacious grassy area where you'll discover everything from impromptu frisbee games to peaceful afternoon readers. What makes this space special isn't just what happens there, but what towers above it - two old growth redwoods that provide welcome shade on warm Berkeley afternoons.

What You'll Find Here

The park's clubhouse has long been a lifeline for parents, hosting after-school programs and summer activities that generations of Berkeley kids have enjoyed.

If you've got little ones in tow, you'll appreciate the fenced-in playground area designed specifically with toddlers in mind. This cozy tot lot comes equipped with play structures, baby swings, and a sandbox that's well-suited for children around 1-5 years old. Parents can relax a bit knowing the playground is gated, has its own water fountain, and offers clear sightlines to keep an eye on the little adventurers.

Tennis players, take note - the park maintains several tennis courts for your backhand practice. Right beside them, you can find a handball wall that's excellent for solo practice or casual play.

A Dog's Paradise (On Leash)

Willard Park might as well be called the neighborhood's unofficial dog social club. While technically dogs should be leashed, the open grassy expanses give pups plenty of room to stretch their legs and meet their canine neighbors.

The thoughtful design even extends to four-legged visitors, with a tiered water fountain featuring a dog bowl at the bottom. Regular dog meetups have become something of a tradition here, creating community connections one wag at a time.

People Power

This park has thrived thanks to the people who love it. Back in the mid-1990s, the Friends of Willard Park group rolled up their sleeves to improve the space, notably renovating the tot play area.

The community spirit continues today with ongoing maintenance and improvement efforts. The park carries a bit of Berkeley's activist legacy - some old-timers still refer to it as "Ho Chi Minh Park," a nod to its role during 1960s protests.

Its location near the Elmwood District means you're just a short walk from Whole Foods or local restaurants when hunger strikes. UC Berkeley students regularly dot the landscape, books open and laptops humming under the trees.

Mark Your Calendar

The park really comes alive during its seasonal events. The annual Easter Egg Hunt is popular with local families.

When summer evenings get long, the park hosts movie screenings under the stars. Fall brings pumpkin carving and other seasonal festivities.

Good to Know

You can visit daily from 6AM to 10PM. Parking can be tricky, with limited street spots nearby - be sure to check those restriction signs carefully. If you live in the area, walking or biking is your best bet.

Public restrooms are available, however they typically close before the park does. There's a small cement picnic area, but bench seating throughout the grass is limited, so bringing a blanket is a smart move if you're planning to stay awhile.