Strawberry Creek Park — Attraction in Berkeley

We love SCP and have been visiting it for over 15 years. Once we had our little, that meant practically living there! The park has gotten better over the years in nearly every way. The playground was reconstructed in late 2019/early 2020, with new bathrooms, accessible pathways, and better play structures (the original metal slide remains). The basketball, tennis, and soccer courts were all recently resurfaced, as was the volleyball court, which is now so popular it sounds like a 24/7 tourney is happening there every day. The creek is still likely not great, water-quality wise, but I haven't seen any kids not love to play in it!

The BYA gardens have all gotten a makeover, with lots of activity going on with their youth programs, in addition to the amazing community garden across Bancroft from the south end of the park;

The opening a few years ago of the Hidden Cafe was awesome - even if it is expensive, it is really nice to have and such a beautiful setting for a treat. They now offer soft serve ice cream Friday - Sunday!!!

Watch out for very wet grass/mud if you plan to use the big field on the north side of the park. If there was a downside, it would be the folks who flout the dog laws (6ft leash at all times or under voice control... you can guess which one doesn't work very well), as folks try to enjoy their picnics or have their small children running around and playing. Otherwise, SPC is a must, especially...

a review from @amom2kidsandapark

This quiet park in the middle of Berkeley makes for the perfect morning. Couple it with some sweet treats or beverage of your choice from @thehiddencafe to make it even more wonderful!

The park is located on former site of the Santa Fe railroad freight yard and has a small restored creek running through! There are basketball courts, tennis courts, a volleyball court, multipurpose turf, and grassy area for kicking around a ball or having a nice picnic. In the center of the park is the play area with a totally awesome hillside slide, a giant web of rope bridges, ladders, hammocks and balance walks. The structure is wooden but also new feeling and really a breath of fresh air to see something like this since most new playgrounds are plastic ♻️. It has a slide, stairs, monkey bars, and climbing a ladder. Other playground extras include a swing set with solid plastic standard swings and a hammock swing, a spilling cup and a fantastic sandbox with boulders and a busy table to keep kids busy incase you’ve forgotten the toys. We explored a bit and had a snack by the creek. There’s plenty of open grass between the park and the creek or if you choose a nice flat grassy space in front of the Hidden Cafe. There are bathrooms. Street parking only. If you park on Allston Way and Bonare St you’ll be very close to the playground. If you park on Addison St you’ll be...

Strawberry Creek Park is a neighborhood gem! I walk there almost daily to look up at the redwoods and watch the creek. It's nice to have a tranquil bit of nature in Poet's Corner.

The park is truly a community gathering place. Every weekend, and many weekdays, it's filled with people having picnics, playing music, reading, and just generally enjoying the atmosphere. At Halloween, a group of neighbors even put together an afternoon pumpkin carving event, and set up the pumpkins and some luminarias that evening. The Hidden Cafe served cider, and someone made cookies. It was wonderful.

In the southern part of the park there are picnic tables, a playground, bathrooms, and a basketball court. In the northern section you'll find benches and varying sunny and shady spots to relax. Be sure to check out The Hidden Cafe for drinks and a rotating set of pop-ups. Phoenix Pastaficio next door sells fresh pasta and sauces, and is open every day but Sunday.

There's a small parking lot that's usually full. Better to walk...