Monkey Island — Attraction in Berkeley

Prior to the development of the 'Claremont Court' subdivision, a spring at the top of the Garber St. hill flowed down and created a pond here. It is said that in the summer, local farmers would bring their cattle to wallow in the cool waters. The famed painter William Keith is said to have painted the pastoral scene.

With the initial mapping of the subdivision in 1906, a water company took over the spring, and a culvert was built, allowing the creation of the park. It is reputed to be one of the first suburban residential subdivisions in the US. The subdivision's development took place during the rapid transition from horses to automobiles.The subdivision initially featured a watering station for horses right in the middle of the gates on Claremont Blvd. The subdivision plan called for (coal) gas street lanterns, but after the earthquake and fire in San Francisco the idea was discarded. In some places, the abandoned gas lines can be seen in the parking strips. The developer was also concerned that automobile parking would detract from sales so prohibitions on the number and location on the lot where cars could be parked were instituted. A frustrated wealthy car collector built a 'spite house' on Forest Ave. just outside of the subdivision gates that features a large round-table on the first floor with chauffeur lodging above.

Sometime in the 1920's a Monkey tree was planted on the park. Over the decades it grew to be very large. During the 1960's, neighborhood children would meet at the tree in the evening to play tag and hide & seek. The tree was 'base' for the games and eventually a large smooth spot developed on the tree from so many small hands clinging to it's safety. Eventually, the Monkey tree grew so large that the City decided it was a potential hazard and removed it, but the name remained.

Although many believe it to be a 'dog park', it is not. The park is reserved for cats on Tuesday...

This legendary island running for about a eighth of a mile, just above Claremont near Ashby was is the stuff of dreams for junior moto-x riders and mountain bikes (We called them "Baloony" bikes back in the day for their over-inflated-looking tires) who can just let loos with this run that is about a 200 feet of bike riding fun. Also a great place for young miscreants like the one I was to meet girls above your class and shock their erstwhile parents with your street manners....

Great local gathering space for kids, dogs, neighbors. Don't known where the name came from as I have visited the park for decade's & have never seen a monkey. A permanent picnic table would be a nice addition.

Delighted to report that a table and chairs have been placed under the remaining big tree. Also, kids had a lemonade stand with beet flavored, low sugar fruit drink. Park coming to life after COVID and storm...