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Directions to Fern Cottage

Fern Cottage,
Kennedy Grove Regional Park

The Fern Cottage (Building) is located in Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area, on San Pablo Dam Road.

From Highway 80:

• Take San Pablo Dam Road exit
• Turn south on San Pablo Dam Road
• Proceed about one-quarter mile south of Castro Ranch Road, through El Sobrante to the Kennedy Grove entrance (on the left)

• Take the Orinda exit
• Turn north on Camino Pablo, which becomes San Pablo Dam Road
• Drive past the San Pablo Dam Recreation Area entrance
• Drive about one mile to the Kennedy Grove park entrance (on the right).
  
  

  Fern Cottage Map

  Printable PDF

  
  
  
  
  
  
  Images courtesy of the Regional Parks
  

Kennedy Grove Regional Park

Relax In A Grove

Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area offers a comfortable setting for either small or large group picnics (some by reservation) or informa gatherings of friends and families. The grove is situated at the base of San Pablo Dam, and its whispering eucalyptus trees offer a fragrant, calm setting for all kinds of activities from company picnics to family reunions. The centrally located turf meadow provides additional play space for picnickers with enough room to toss a Frisbee, pass a football, or set up an informal softball game. (Hardball is not permitted.) Volleyball and horseshoes are popular with all ages, and equipment may be rented for a minimal fee.

A Brief History of the Park

Long before this 218-acre area became a park, it was the site of ranchos, wheat fields, and stations for a narrow-gauge railroad that ran from Oakland to Orinda through Richmond and the Sobrante Hills. Kennedy Grove was once a portion of the 17,754-acre Rancho San Pablo. Francisco Castro took possession of the rancho in 1823. Later the grove was the site of the Clancy Ranch. In 1886 there were scheduled railroad stops of the California Nevada Railroad at Frenchman's Curve and Laurel Grove Station. The park's picnic areas are named for some of these historic railroad stops. The eucalyptus trees were planted in 1910. The park was dedicated on October 22, 1967. It was named to honor the late President John F. Kennedy. The area is owned and operated by the East Bay Regional Park District.

Senior Citizen's Center

This facility is located at the north end of the park. The center offers activities for seniors (age 55 and older) from the west Contra Costa County area. Dues entitle members to attend the following: drop-in open house and bingo (Mondays, 1-4 p.m.); business meeting (first Monday of the month); game day (Thursdays, 1-4 p.m.); and potluck supper (third Thursday, 5 p.m.). For information call 510-223-7840.