Aquatic Park

Aquatic Park is a unique public park and historic landmark located in close proximity to the city of Emeryville in the USA. Its defining feature is a mile-long artificial lagoon that was separated from San Francisco Bay in the 1930s during large-scale construction. The park was envisioned as a safe and scenic space for water recreation, its layout reminiscent of a miniature version of the famous Golden Gate Park.

Aquatic Park. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Today, this site is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Its landscape combines the calm waters of the lagoon, green lawns, and shady paths, offering residents and tourists a rare opportunity to enjoy nature right on the edge of the metropolis. This place is particularly valued for its architectural integrity and for preserving a mid-century atmosphere.

The park serves as an important recreational hub, blending the region's history with modern opportunities for active leisure. As part of the legacy of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), Aquatic Park remains a living testament to how ambitious engineering projects can transform into beloved urban retreats.

For those planning a visit to Aquatic Park, below is the relevant reference information to help you find your way and contact the administration if needed.

Aquatic Park provides excellent conditions for fans of active outdoor recreation. The lagoon is a major draw for water sports enthusiasts: you can see sailboats, kayaks, and rowboats here. The calm water, sheltered from the strong bay currents, makes boating safe and enjoyable even for beginners.

On land, visitors will find scenic walking and cycling paths that circle the entire park. It is a great spot for morning jogs or leisurely strolls with water views. For sports fans, the park features a professional disc golf course, which is considered one of the best facilities of its kind in the area.

If you are looking for a place for quiet family relaxation, the park offers picnic areas with convenient tables and fire pits. On the eastern side of the lagoon, there are small sandy beaches, while nature lovers can head to the dedicated wild bird sanctuary on the island in the center of the lake to observe local fauna.

The park is located at 80 Bolivar Drive, conveniently situated between two major transport arteries—Ashby and University avenues. For those arriving by private or rental car, the primary landmark is Interstate 80 (Eastshore Freeway). The Ashby Avenue or University Avenue exits will take you almost directly to the entrance, where parking lots are available.

If you plan to use public transport, look for Berkeley bus routes that serve the Waterfront district. Taxis or rideshare services from the city center or the nearest BART stations are also popular and quick ways to reach the park, saving you the trouble of finding a parking spot on weekends.

The idea for this recreational space dates back to the second half of the 19th century. In 1866, the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted proposed a concept for a water park in the Black Point Cove area. Later, in 1905, urban planner Daniel Burnham expanded on these ideas, including the territory in a large-scale San Francisco development plan as a zone for yachting and rowing.

Actual construction only began in the 1930s as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) programs to combat unemployment. The official opening took place on May 8, 1937, and was a grand celebration: about 5,000 spectators watched the planting of the first trees, and more than a thousand homing pigeons were released into the sky. The park's lagoon was artificially formed during the construction of the approaches to the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge.

Aquatic Park in Berkeley, along with its namesake in San Francisco, became one of the first examples of transforming industrial bay shores into public parklands. In 1984, its historical value was confirmed by its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, and a few years later, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.

For a simple stroll along the lagoon shore to enjoy the fresh breeze, 1–2 hours is usually sufficient. This is enough time for a leisurely walk along the main paths and to see the park's historical markers.

If you plan on more active leisure—such as playing disc golf, renting a boat, or having a full family picnic by the water—we recommend setting aside 3 to 4 hours. The large area and peaceful atmosphere make it easy to spend a significant part of the day here, relaxing away from the city noise.

Aquatic Park is open to visitors daily, providing access to its trails and recreation areas from early morning until late evening. The park operates on a consistent schedule throughout the week: from 06:00 to 22:00.

This makes it an excellent choice for both early risers who enjoy exercising at dawn and those who prefer evening walks. However, before visiting, it is recommended to check the city's official website, as access hours to certain sports facilities or picnic areas may be subject to change.

Exploring the area around Aquatic Park can be a great addition to your trip. The district surrounding Emeryville offers many interesting locations, from memorials to modern entertainment centers and authentic local eateries.

Below is a list of nearby attractions to help you plan a full day's itinerary: