Willard Park

Sunday, 4:00 PM.
Quickie:
+ Spacious
+ Eccentric and eclectic gathering place
+ Spot for different activities
— Hygiene
And then???
The City of Berkeley would be wise to invest more into this park. It’s close to campus and accessible to a lot of residents.
**********
Constructive comment:
*COB should hold more (inclusive) events

I live right by People’s Park but refuse to step foot in there for fear for my dogs and myself stepping on drug use items. Instead I walk blocks away to Willard Park. It’s a very nice park and my dogs love running around. It is a very busy area car wise so I do wish there was an enclosed dog park that would prevent any possible doggy accidents. The park is pretty clean but as there is throughout all of Berkeley there is a significant homeless presence.

One of the parks in the south Berkeley area that is not a stand in homeless shelter. Lots of people bring their dogs to run around which is very entertaining to watch.

Great lil’ park for dogs, kids, families, groups, singles, couples, frisbee throwers, people watchers, readers and lazy people that like to lay in nice sunny parks. Easy parking, usually. I’d just stay away from the bathrooms and be aware that when the sun goes down crazy, big, jumping rats come out to play on the playground.

Willard Park is one of the most pleasant parks in Berkeley. I especially love late afternoons here with the sun casting long shadows over the lush lawns. My favorite things to do here are read or write longhand letters to friends. (Yes! Some people still do that!) But really this park is great for just about any relaxing outdoor enjoyment.

Nice park. Plenty of grass, trees around the perimeter, playground for kids, etc.
Writing for the tennis players! There are two courts here. Currently under renovation, expected to last 75 days or more (Feb 2014, forward). I’m psyched to use them when they’re ready.
There’s also a wall, which I appreciate, but it’s not my favorite. It’s really hard, so the ball bounces off FAST. Not a good wall for big groundstrokes. You can stand back the full length of a court, but that doesn’t solve the problem for me; despite the pace, my ball dies on the ground bounce back (thanks to the rough asphalt pavement). It’s a decent wall for exercising consistency and control. Good for serves.
For groundies, I prefer the wall at the Rose Gardens… review there too.

Willard Park is a gem. A place where friendly people of all ages and friendly dogs peacefully co-​exist and share the space with respect for one another.
Wonderful, responsible dog owners and their happy companions keep the place safe and clean and contribute to the joyful atmosphere.
It’s a true Berkeley example of inclusiveness and harmony.

This is a very quaint park nestled away from the busier streets of Berkeley.
Many people come here with their dogs, friends, kids, guitars, and various activities. There’s also a small playground and a couple tennis courts. I’ve seen people having picnics, playing dodgeball/​football/​frisbee/​soccer, throwing a boomerang, jamming on a guitar, or just laying in the grass reading a book.
It’s a popular place to bring dogs, so I’d recommend bringing a blanket or something to sit on in case of previous urination.**
There also tends to be a frequenting of people just chillin, and sometimes smoking weed. Smells disgusting, but the park is decently spacious enough to move away from the stench.
On a breezy, sunny day, this park is perfect for taking a break and just lying in the grass under the generous shade provided by one of the few large Redwoods.

Sun! Families! Dogs! Children! A playground!
What more do you want your park to have!

I’ve known this park for over a year now, and it’s a solid «everyone’s» park. It’s very dog friendly, and in my experience, 99% of everyone who brings their dogs are responsible and keep strong command over their dogs’ actions.
Unfortunately, you should bring a blanket for the grass if you’re gonna sit down. Not everyone is good about picking up dog poop… I have seen poles with plastic bags along where the tall pine trees are, so there’s no excuse!
Overall, this park is full of nice people and family-​centered. I LOVE that the little tots playground is fenced in on the edge because children make me so happy. Children are the essence of «park» and so I get to hear the sounds of happy kids as I play with my dog or chat with other dog owners!
Park on the street. Bring a frisbee or a ball. There’s plenty of grass. There’s a water fountain where people fill their water bottles along the back of the kids’ playground where the tennis courts are. There is another near the bathrooms, behind a tree. Both fountains have little water bowls under them for dogs to drink too!

Dogs. People. Peace.

This is probably one of the most relaxing parks in Berkeley. Lots of people come out here for a variety of activities from reading a book, taking their dogs out, running around, etc.
Small but nice park!

I lived directly across the street from here for 2 years! I absolutely loved it. What’s great is that it is in a residential area next to a school so it’s family friendly.
A lot of Cal student groups use the space for picnics, sports days, and big group meetings. I know that student group I was a part of did!
During the weekdays (when school is in session) not a lot of people frequent the party. Many neighborhoods folks come out to walk their dogs or have them run around. The dogs that are regulars are trained and do not bother people. So parents, you won’t have to worry about your kids.
However, in the summer, everyone comes out of hibernation to bask in the sun. You’ll see tons of folks with beach towels tanning the afternoon away.
There are some homeless folks or people who sleep in their vans in the park, but they really don’t bother anyone. If they do, the cops do drive around the block a lot.
Unfortunately, there are not maintained bathrooms. There is a single bathroom in the southeast corner near the children’s center, however, it’s rather dirty and I don’t think it usually has toilet paper.
Other amenities at the park include tennis courts (2) and basketball courts.
If you’re looking for a spot to do outdoor yoga, I’ve constantly seen groups at the park (more so in the summer).
Otherwise, if you’re looking for a new place to live and enjoy just walking across the street with a blanket to sit and read, this is the place for you.
(I definitely miss living across the street right now since it’s summer!!)

So I take my dog here. I’d really appreciate if people were aware of the fact that 5pm-​7pm is when people take their dogs here. Having your picnic all laid out and then yelling at owners because the dog put his nose in your potato salad is kind of stupid. I mean, obviously he’s going to come over and sniff it.
Don’t get me wrong, I like all of the dog owners who visit, but some of the families that hang out there are just annoying. If you don’t like dogs, go somewhere else.
It’s really cool that they use fish oil in the fertilizers. OR at least I’ve hear that. As a park, this place is pretty cool. You have tennis courts, water fountains, grass, and even a closed off playground (safe!). There are no picnic benches, but it’s better that way. More old school and less BBQers. You can do that at home anyway.
Lately there have been a lot of hippie style people around. Usually this isn’t a problem, but it does become one once they start obnoxiously chanting and throwing mushrooms around. I’d really like to avoid my dog picking one of those up.

One of my favorite neighborhood parks and always great for people & creature watching. Blessed with tennis courts, a children’s playground, a load of grassy action, I always make sure to stop and stretch at Willard Park during my run.
Whether it’s passing around a frisbee or soccer ball, it happens on this lush field every day of the week. Now I try to mind my own business but find it so difficult seeing owners not bothering to mind and pick up their dog’s poop. I end up having continuously scan the grass, all the while begging to get hit upside the head by a runaway ball or frisbee.
And sure I love sitting on the grass, but if there are only two benches in the entire park, why bother to have any? Add more please!
My two precious pennies.

This is a nice place to hang out in the summer.
Lay in the grass, read a book, or run around and play frisbee with your friends.
Sometime’s it’s peaceful…
There are also a lot of douche bags who like to show up and ruin your fun.
Homeless people I can handle. In fact, I prefer them to the snooty ass holes who show up EVERY DAY, and stand around while their dogs play, and constantly yell at them.
Your dogs are perfectly trained, theres no reason to shout. I know you like the sound of your own voice, but no one else does.
Whats worse are the people who let their dogs run all over your picnic blanket, and then have the nerve to tell you you’re in the wrong spot.
I had a bad experience here, with someone calling me fat for no reason. I refuse to go back. But thats just me.
Anyway, it beats people’s park. Theres room for your kids and your dogs to play, while you get some rest, and some sunshine.

Love coming here! The best day would consist of coming here to stroll and watch all the dogs play with each other. Oh and throw in a little tennis. The weekends are the best if you want to watch dogs run around and chase down balls. Tons of people bring their dogs here to socialize and it is a joy to see them all having so much fun. I purposely go and sit at the bench on the grass so they’ll hopefully come up to me.
Tons of people come here randomly to hang out in groups, with their significant other, or just by themselves to read a book. They also have a mini playground for babies and toddlers that the dogs aren’t allowed to go into.
The tennis courts have lights, which is useful on busy days when it gets dark and Hearst courts are full. The 2 courts are separated, so you never have to worry about ball interference. The courts themselves are kind of worn down with some cracks, but still playable. The surface plays a bit faster than normal courts so it’s easier to hit those winners =]
Overall not a very big park, but in this case size doesn’t matter.

This is the best local park in Berkeley, hands down!
I absolutely adore this spot. Perfect to lay out in the sun, bring your dog to play, play frisbee, hula hoop, have a picnic, or whatever else you enjoy doing in parks. There are some trees for shade, restrooms, a tennis court, playground, and fountains for you and your furry little companion.
My dog loves coming here, everyone i’ve met is super nice at this park, no sketchy people, it’s really wonderful. I’d highly recommend coming here with your kids, friends, family, and pets!

just down the street from peoples park, there’s willard
willard is a sharp contrast from people’s park. i’ll just come out and say it. it’s less scary. there aren’t as many homeless people who call it home and the place smells lots better too.
on a bright and sunny berkeley day, which sadly there aren’t so many, you can see many people out here sunbathing, playing frisbee, slack rope walking, juggling, hoola hooping, doing their homework, reading, making out, playing with their dog… etc.
basically it’s a great place to get away, people watch, and meet friends all in one.
quick tip– they have no barbecue pits. i swear once upon a time they did but when we tried to have a bbq there this summer they were gone… i guess it’s true if you don’t use it you lose it… :)
looking forward to more summer days here.
until next time
cheers!

My friend had her daughter’s 2^nd bday party here. (I have friends who have kids that are 2?! *hyperventilate*)
A great little park in Berkeley, who knew these existed? Literally, one square block in size, but big enough for multiple groups to have various functions.
There are some picnic tables and a clubhouse, and a great little kids area with swings, sand, slides, and play structures (is that what they’re called? i’m not very fluent in kid-​lingo).
Big plus: Pet friendly!
big minus: some pet owners aren’t such good owners… come with plastic bags people!