Refugio Valley Park — Attraction in Hercules

Very popular especially on weekends for bbq and nice open space with decent views. But, this Park is overdue for much needed upgrades. The city has done little in maintaining the grounds and facilities, since installing new lamp posts. The toilets are still nasty--non-working doors, dirty, wet floors, no toilet paper, dirty sinks with 1 working faucet, and unprotected from rain. The city does not even maintain the public tennis courts anymore. Private citizens had spent their own money and labor for the nets, windscreen, benches, painting fences, etc. Years ago, there'd be city personnel cleaning the courts early Friday mornings, like clearing out leaves and nature's debris. Now, players spend time sweeping the courts to make them playable. That's labor and infrastructure that Hercules city is...

Nostalgia. Growing up in Hercules, the main playground feature of the park was the long concrete slide that you could ride down in jeans or pants (it would be a bad idea if you did) or ride down on a big sheet of cardboard. The top of the structure had a series of plumbers tubes designed to be climbed on. These days, there's a much-better designed playground for young toddlers and older toddlers. Walks around the park are still peaceful. A walk from and to the park along Refugio Valley Road is about two miles round trip from the park to the roundabout. Park benches are present for a picnic/family gatherings. Lots of water fowl....

I have been coming here since I was a kid. Back when you could slide down the cement slide with some cardboard. What I like to do now is go to kinders get a ball tip sandwich and relax in the grass. Park is always clean .one of the few parks transients haven't ruined. There is a nice newish playground for the children. Large parking lott. And the cement gazebo is always nice for taking photos . Restrooms are always clean which is amazing. Can see all type of wildlife here from frog and lizards to deers and turkeys . Also a tennis court across the street with bbq grills and a soft drink...