Election Section

Parks are probably not among the first things that spring to mind when you think of Richmond, but the city just north of Berkeley is filled with them, including a 32-mile shoreline with sweeping views of San Francisco and San Pablo bays, an island that provides nesting habitat for the Caspian tern, and a national historic park that commemorates Richmond’s industrial and ship-building past. Linking many of these sites is the San Francisco Bay Trail, a network that will grow to 500 miles of trail around the Bay Area. 

This summer and fall, the East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD), Trails for Richmond Action Committee (TRAC), Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historic Park, and others have organized bird walks, hikes, and tours to get you out and into Richmond’s many parks.  

Various dates in August: 

All Hands on Deck: Building the Ships that Kept Democracy Afloat. At Richmond’s historic shipyard No. 3, meet the park ranger for a one-hour tour of one of hundreds of Victory ships built during World War II. Call 232-5050 for dates and times. Directions are at http://www.ssredoakvictory.com/index.htm; program info is at http://rosietheriveter.org/pdfs/08JulRosieCal.pdf. 

Various dates in August: 

Walk the Line and Connect to the Home Front at Rosie the Riveter Memorial, Marina Bay Park: A park ranger leads you on a tour that lets you walk a timeline along the keel of a Victory ship. Meet at the steel memorial by the main parking lot for this 45-minute program followed by an optional 45-minute Bay Trail stroll. Call 232-5050 for dates and times. Learn more about the area at http://rcvb-ca.com/marinabay.htm; program info is at http://rosietheriveter.org/pdfs/08JulRosieCal.pdf. 

Sunday, Aug. 30, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: 

Brooks Island Adventure. This trip is a short paddle in stable double kayaks across sheltered bay water with spectacular views of San Francisco. Paddle along Brooks Island’s preserved shoreline, then come ashore to enjoy a guided, 2-mile hike around the island. Participants must be 14 years or older and must register through EBRPD: 1 (888) EBPARKS; $85 fee for residents; $95 for non-residents.  

Learn more about the park at www.ebparks.org/parks/brooks_island. 

Saturday, Sept. 20, morning: Annual Statewide Coastal Cleanup Day. Watch the TRAC website (www.pointrichmond.com/baytrail/calendar.htm) for details on shoreline cleanups to at Marina Bay, Point Pinole, and Point Isabel Regional Shorelines. 

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4-5: Home Front Festival by the Bay: The second annual festival will include many events along the Bay Trail, including Tour de Home Front bike rides. Sign up for the YMCA’s 10K and 5K Fun Run/Walk at 9 a.m. on Sunday at www.onyourmarkevents.com/YMCAInfo.htm; see more about the festival at www.homefrontfestival.com.