Grove Park

This park is great. Always being used by kids and folks in the community. I like coming home in the evening and seeing the lights on in the field and courts (basket ball and tennis)… It’s a real gem.

Recently a neighbor has been calling the police (yes thats right the Berkeley Police have shown up!!) on dog owners in the park!!! What the fuck? My house has been broken into three times in the last year. from my front window I can identify four shootings on my street and someone calls the cops when I respectfully train, and pick up after my dog in a gated park, which I pay taxes for!!!

This park has a largish softball field, and frequently hosts Berkeley softball league games. There are 4 – 6 basketball hoops as well as one lower rim for the kids, or for older teens who like to dunk. I believe the playground and community center are also part of the park, and every once in awhile there are public events there with sound-​system etc. As for dogs, this place says no dogs off leash but it seems this rule is rarely followed. Just recognize that there are dogs of all sizes and dispositions, so don’t be surprised if you or your dog is approached. When softball is not in session people often take over the field for pick-​up soccer. The two restrooms adjacent to the basketball and tennis courts seem to be open at some times but not others, though not always corresponding to softball league play.
These tennis courts are frequently under-​used compared to San Pablo park just down the street. People like to whine about the cracks and about how much the courts need to be resurfaced but I wouldn’t have it any other way. They are lightning-​quick and the back fences are closer than usual so one can help but feel like Sampras or Roddick whilst serving bombs that skid through the court and catch the backstop on the rise. The lights are more than sufficient, and are operated by a button and a timer. Be warned though that 10 or so minutes before they cut off, they trip a loud buzzer that is conveniently located at ear-​level directly behind the player on the northwest corner of the courts. This is a friendly reminder to go press the button to keep the lights on. Lights go off around 9:30 or 9:45, I think you just can’t restart the light sequence after 9:30.
All the passer by’s and homeless like to give you advice on your tennis (though I’m really hoping for some John Candy, Cool Runnings moment where like Bjorn Borg strolls up all bearded and bedraggled, breath smelling of malt liquor and is like, «you’re footwork is lousy, let me see that racquet…»

This place is very pretty when the sun is out. There are a lot of tween kids around though.

I love this park because it has helped me meet might neighbors, building a sense of community for this newbie Berkeley resident.
The park is large, with basketball courts, tennis courts a baseball field, playground, etc. I go almost everyday after work to take my dog out so that he can play fetch. Technically dogs are not allowed off leash here but there is a group of 10 – 15 dog owners who come after work (5:45 — until about 7) to let their pooches work off some much needed energy. Only once in two years has the dog catcher come out, and he was very permissive. Generally responsible dog owners are welcomed because they are considered a good influence.
I’d give the park 5 stars, but the neighborhood is still emerging and as such, there are still problems with some crime and standard juvenile malicious mischief that is standard for a city park. Don’t be scared off, but know the park is a magnet for everyone.