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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. | 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)
From Highway 24:
- 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).
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