• Good parks for toddlers north of Berkeley
• Albany Park play structures
• Arlington Park El Cerrito
• Dowling Park watch trains

Good parks for toddlers north of Berkeley

I am looking for updated recommendations for good parks north of Berkeley (e.g. Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond) that are good to take toddlers to. I think a lot of the ones in the arhive are rather dated, and anyway, there aren't a lot of them for parks in Richmond. Please include details about the number of toddler- friendly play stuctures and picnic areas, and how many other kids tend to be there most weekdays. This would be much appreciated. mom of young toddler Jennifer R.

A few of my favorite parks in El Cerrito are:

Castro- next to Castro Elementary - no sand! (my baby girl eats it by the handful, so that is a plus) a new toddler structure, a big field to run around on. no swings :(
Poinsett- off of Barrett. small, very shaded, nice toddler structure, a small sandbox, but no swings :(

in Richmond:
Alvarado- off Barrett at the entrance to Wildcat. huge play structures, some shade, picnic tables.
Marina Park- at the end of Marina Bay Parkway. very diverse group plays there! no shade, though usually cool since it is on the water.

if you are willing to go a bit further, Pinole Valley Park, Refugio Valley Park (Hercules) & Crockett Park are GREAT- all have good toddler play structures, shade, grassy areas & picnic areas, plus a diverse population.

my website has more information, plus links to city websites which have info on the parks.

also, it sounded like you are looking for opporutnities to meet other mamas & babies-- there is a playgroup that meets regularly at Pinole Valley Park Wednesdays 10-12 & another one at Crockett Community Center Fridays 10-12. both are very welcoming & have little ones from a wide age range.

have fun! if you are up for a park date, e-mail me Virginia