| City of Berkeley Parks, Recreation & Waterfront |
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Weigh in on plan to improve City buildings, parks, and more |
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Come attend one of a series of in-person community meetings to learn about and share feedback about potential projects to improve parks, community centers, fire facilities and the waterfront. At each meeting, City staff will present an overview of Berkeley’s infrastructure needs and the types of projects under consideration. Ask questions. Discuss projects with others. Give input on which projects are most pressing and why. The proposed projects repair and improve parks, community centers, fire facilities, waterfront and shoreline areas. They also address sidewalk and accessibility improvements. Berkeley maintains more than 54 parks, 95 buildings, 300+ miles of sidewalks, community centers, camps, pools, and more. Much of this infrastructure is more than 75 years old. The City faces an estimated $1.65 to $2 billion in needed repairs and upgrades with no identified funding. Since not all projects can move forward at once, we face the shared challenge of deciding which projects to tackle first. Help us set priorities by joining one of several meetings and which improvements matter the most. Attend a community meeting These four meetings are spread throughout the City. Attend the one most convenient for you. Each meeting will begin with a staff presentation outlining the needs as well as the proposed projects under consideration. Attendees will then break into small groups facilitated by staff, who will be available to answer questions and gather feedback. Types of projects and specific examples There are a variety of categories as well as specific projects that are being considered. - upgrades or replacements to community centers and pools;
- new or expanded open space, park improvements, and dog parks;
- waterfront improvements to address sea-level rise and protect public access;
- replacement or upgrades to fire stations and training facilities;
- expansion and modernization of emergency dispatch facilities;
- modernization of City offices and essential public buildings; and
- citywide sidewalk repair and accessibility upgrades.
Staff reviewed projects based on community use, safety, fairness across districts, long-term value, readiness, and the ability to secure grants or other funding. Examples of projects under consideration include: - Replacement of Frances Albrier Community Center – A modern, seismically safe facility that expands space for recreation, senior programs, and community gatherings in San Pablo Park.
- Replacement of King Pool and locker room – A larger 25-meter pool that increases swim lessons, recreation swim time, and aquatics programming.
- New or expanded open space along the Adeline Corridor – Additional park access and gathering space in a neighborhood with limited green space.
- Replacement of Fire Stations 4 and 6 – Updated facilities designed to support faster emergency response and safe working conditions for firefighters.
- Expansion and modernization of the 911 dispatch center – Upgraded systems and workspace to handle rising call volumes and improve emergency coordination.
- Citywide sidewalk repair and ADA accessibility improvements – Safer, more accessible sidewalks and paths for people walking, rolling, and using mobility devices.
- Seismic upgrades to Maudelle Shirek and Veterans Memorial Buildings – Structural improvements that protect historic civic buildings and support continued public use.
At a December 2, 2025 special work session, the City Council discussed Berkeley’s long-term infrastructure needs. Staff shared plans to gather feedback on potential infrastructure projects. These four large community meetings are part of a broader outreach that also includes commissions and focus groups. Input collected during these meetings will be summarized and presented to City Council by mid-March. These meetings are one part of a broader process. Potential funding would be determined by the City Council. Community input will help staff refine the project list and better understand local priorities. Attend a community meeting in February or March to weigh in on which projects you think are most important for Berkeley. Links |
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Upcoming Events - Ron Allen Skate Jam
Saturday, February 28, 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Terrence McCrary, Jr. Memorial Skate Park, 711 Harrison Street - Community Game Night and Bingo
Friday, March 6, 6:00-8:00 pm
Willard Clubhouse, 2720 Hillegass Avenue - Community Tree Planting at San Pablo Park
Saturday, March 7, 9:15 am-1:00 pm
San Pablo Park, 2800 Park Street - South Berkeley Miyawaki Forest Planting
Saturday, March 7, 9:30 am-1:00 pm
Corner of Adeline St. And MLK Jr. Way - YouthWorker Day Celebration
Thursday, March 12, 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Civic Center Park, 2151 Martin Luther King Jr Way
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Contact UsFor questions about an event or to request an accessibility accommodation, please contact Recreation Customer Service or the facility where the event will be held. Recreation Customer ServiceParks Customer ServiceCommunity CentersPoolsWaterfront |
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