Parkland Rules
The East Bay Regional Park District's Ordinance 38, summarized here, lists specific rules for use and protection of District parklands. Violators are subject to citation and fine or arrest. You can refer to the full text of Ordinance 38 on the District's Web site if you wish. For further information, please ask a park ranger, a Volunteer Trail Safety Patrol member, or a District police officer, or telephone 510.881.1833.
- PARK GATES ARE OPEN to the public during hours posted at the park entrance. Unless otherwise posted, CURFEW is between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- MOTOR VEHICLES (including gasoline-powered and electric-powered scooters, skateboards, and cycles) are restricted to designated parking areas and paved public roads. They are not permitted on trails, whether paved or not. The disabled may use electric-powered wheelchairs and bicycles.
- BICYCLES (human-powered two- or three-wheeled vehicles) may be ridden on designated bicycle trails, and on fire or service roads, unless otherwise posted. Bicycles are not permitted, either ridden, walked, or carried, off designated trails or in areas posted as "No Bicycles" or on narrow hiking or equestrian trails. When overtaking or approaching other trail users, bicyclists are required to call out or ring a bell at a distance of not less than 50 feet. California state law requires that all bicyclists under age 18 wear approved helmets while riding on trails and roadways. California state law requiring bicycle lighting during darkness (a white headlight visible 300 feet ahead) applies on District trails and roadways.
- OTHER WHEELED DEVICES (including unicycles, roller skates, inline skates, skateboards, scooters, and mountain boards) may be ridden on designated paved bicycle trails but not on any unpaved surface and not during hours of darkness. When overtaking or approaching other trail users, users are required to call out or ring a bell at a distance of not less than 50 feet. California state law requires that all scooter, skate, and skateboard users under age 18 wear approved helmets while riding on trails and roadways.
- DOGS must be leashed (six-foot maximum) and under control at any posted area, parking lot, picnic site, lawn, or developed area. No dogs or other animals are permitted at any swimming pool, beach, wetland, or marsh, the Regional Parks Botanic Garden, or the Tilden Nature Area. Dogs may be off-leash in open space and undeveloped areas of parklands, provided they are under control at all times. Owners must carry a leash at all times. Dangerous animals are not allowed in the parks. Your dog's waste must be removed from all developed areas or public trails. Please dispose of your dog's waste by placing it in a garbage can or removing it from the parklands. All commercial dog-walkers, and anyone walking four to six dogs per person at one time, must have a District permit; please call 510.690.6508 for information. Walking more than six dogs per person at one time is prohibited.
- SWIMMING, WADING, and other water contact activities are permitted only in designated areas. DIVING is permitted only from designated diving boards and swim platforms. SCUBA diving is prohibited in any District lake or inland waters unless authorized by the District.
- PLANTS and ANIMALS (including plant parts and whether dead or alive) and GEOLOGIC, ARCHAEOLOGIC, and HISTORIC OBJECTS are protected by law. Please do not disturb or remove any of these features.
- HELP PROTECT OUR PARK WILDLIFE by not releasing or feeding ducks, cats, or other animals. Do not feed wild park animals; enjoy them from a distance.
- FIRES are permitted in barbeque pits or personal cooking equipment placed at least 30 feet from flammable materials. Please do not place hot coals on the ground or in a garbage can. Please dispose of burned fuel in barbeque pits or receptacles provided for that purpose.
- FIREWORKS are not permitted at any Regional Park.
- CAMPING is not permitted within District parklands without a permit.
- A State license is required of persons 16 years of age or older to FISH at those locations in the Regional Parks where fishing is permitted. A District fishing permit is also required where posted. Aquatic animals other than fin fish may not be removed.
- ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES are not permitted at pools, swim beaches, on any Regional Trail, or within 50 feet of paved roads, parking lots, or posted areas. Alcohol is not permitted in specific parks where alcohol has been prohibited. Otherwise, beer and wine are permitted at picnic areas and elsewhere on parklands. Other alcoholic beverages are not permitted.
- GAMES and ACTIVITIES, including model rockets, model boats and airplanes, hang gliding, golf, and other activities with potential risk to property or park visitors are permitted only in designated areas.
- ASSEMBLIES, PERFORMANCES, SPECIAL EVENTS or similar gatherings require a permit.
- Please be considerate of other park visitors if you use an audio device with speakers. A permit is required for AMPLIFICATION of voice, music, or other sounds. GENERATORS may not be used without a permit.
- FIREARMS or BOWS AND ARROWS are not permitted on Regional Parklands except at established ranges. Crossbows, spears, slingshots, air pistols or rifles, and other dangerous weapons are prohibited anywhere on Regional Parklands.
- PARK VISITORS are responsible for knowing and following park rules. You can refer to the full text of Ordinance 38 on the District's Web site if you wish.
Thousands of people enjoy sharing East Bay Regional Park District trails with others every day in a safe and responsible manner. Occasionally, however, trail use conflicts or rule violations occur. Please report such incidents. It's especially important for the District to know what happened and where and when the incident occurred.
