Jean Sweeney Open Space Park — Attraction in Alameda

THIS. PARK. IS. SERIOUSLY. AMAZING. I'm so happy that Alameda completed this project and that it's now open! I had heard of it during construction phases but didn't realize it was open now, we chanced upon it when we were in the area and i'm glad we did. They really outdid themselves. We visited on Wednesday 5-22-19.

First, about the essentials: plenty of free parking, a nice bathroom, lots of places to sit and chill or tables to picnic. It's all nicely built and all seems sturdy enough to last.

There's something here for everyone of all ages. A sweet sand pit with a button-activated water stream feature for hot days, an enclosed play area for the younger kids with everything from kiddie swings to a typical traditional playground structure with slides and lots to climb around on, a giant slide with a little climbing section next to it, spider web-like climbing rope structure, a huge bike trail, cool chimes/xylophone instrument with little attached mallets to play with, lots of green grassy open space to play all kinds of games on, a neat huge swing, lots of trees, cool logs and obstacle course-like features to jump around and balance on.

There is a zip line that is apparently going to be fixed very soon-- according to a family I was chatting with, who then directed me to the park's website, replacement parts for the broken pieces have been ordered and Alameda will be fixing it to have it operational again ASAP. So we will definitely be coming back soon and hope to be able to check that out.

I took a short video clip but unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a way for me to share it here. Next time we go I'll take a few photos to post.

My family has been to lots of parks l over the bay area including a number in Alameda. It's very hard to pick favorites since they all have things to love. But, if I had to choose one, this park would definitely be a contender for the top. Go check it out. Next time we go we're bringing the kids' bikes, our little mini shade tent, and a picnic for a proper...

a review from @amom2kidsandapark

Jean Sweeney Open Space Park is packed with history and kid-friendly fun. Jean Sweeney is a newer and not all the way complete open space park. The history of this park is inspiring. It was once a Railroad property about to become a housing development, but by the efforts of a local resident, Jean Sweeney, it became the beautiful park it is today. The maps said there will be a butterfly garden and a second playground but they don’t exist ... yet!

The play area has a giant hillside slide that can fit many kids at a time, a zip line, a big sandbox (don't forget your sand toys), a log path for balancing practice (or floor is lava... which ever your adventurer prefers), a large mallet instrument, an even bigger rope climbing structure, and a hammock swing. There is also an almost gated in play structure that has three slides, ladders, steps, and a snacking table. In this area, there are bucket swings (no standard swings at this park). This playground is geared more towards tots/preschoolers.

Right near this play area is a bathroom and a huge gazebo. Around the open space is a bike path (perfect for practicing bike skills) that doubles as a stroller or scooter path, grassy areas (perfect for picnics), and a future home for a butterfly garden and second playground.

On the other end of the park is a coffee shop and around the corner is another great all-abilities playground, Littlejohn Park.

This park can get very crowded especially on the weekends or school holidays.

There is a parking lot but it can...

We love this playground! There is a big playground for kids 5-12 years old with a big stainless steel slide, huge tire swing, web climbing structure, xylophone, logs to climb on, large sandbox with water fountain, a special swing that slides on a rope on another end(I don't know what it's called.

There is a fenced playground (swings, slides, etc) beside it for younger kids with a picnic bench and table.

There is a restroom easily within reach of these play areas.

A square paved area where you can keep biking or scooting around, while the parents can sit on many benches around it as well.

There is a roofed area for having a party for maybe 100pax (?) and a large grassy area in front of it. There are actually many grassy areas everywhere too for a picnic, for playing catch, to set up a tent, etc.

There is a small pavilion.

This park is very accessible. From the parking lot, there are no steps so you can roll into the park, and the walkways are well-marked. There are many paved paths to access the different areas of the park. There are concrete and rugged paths. They are perfect for walking, jogging, biking, scooting, skating, etc. You can go further out or you can go around a smaller area. There are slight and steeper inclines.

The park is already way awesome as it is, and we look forward to when they develop the rest...