Pleasanton Parks and Recreation Master Plan

2-10 Pleasanton Parks and Recreation Master Plan Section Two – Recreation Facility Needs Assessment 2014 2.5 Parks and Recreation Facilities Located In or Adjacent to the City Significant recreational amenities exist in the communities immediately adjacent or nearby the City of Pleasanton, offering a diverse set of recreational opportunities. While Pleasanton residents may use them, they are not included in the demand and needs analysis. They include:  Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park (East Bay Regional Park District [referred to as EBRPD]) to the west  Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area (EBRPD) to the east  Alameda County Fairgrounds  Zone 7 waterways utilized for trails Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park is a stunning oak mountain environment of 5,271 acres that overlooks Pleasanton at the peak of 1,600 feet of elevation. EBRPD is currently in the final stages of property acquisition that will add 4,000+/‐ acres to the park. The park accommodates walking, hiking, equestrians, bicycling and naturalist activities. The main staging area is off Foothill Road, at the south end of the property to City residents and to non‐residents with a permit. There is a portable restroom at the EBRPD Foothills staging area, as well as a drinking fountain and a picnic table. The trails in the park are all compacted earth and suitable for wheelchairs. Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area is a mile from downtown Pleasanton on Stanley Boulevard on the east side of town and within the City limits. This park was formerly a gravel quarry, and was donated to the East Bay Regional Park District in 1970. The park is 266 acres and includes a popular swimming and fishing lake of 80 acres. Minor arroyo lakes and ponds are off‐limits for swimming and boating, but make for a nice shady hike or picnic. Trout and catfish are regularly planted in the main lake and bluegill and black bass also can be caught during fishing derbies that are held annually. No boats over 17 feet or with gasoline engines are allowed with the arroyo areas off limits to both swimming and boating. Reservable picnic areas are available, fee‐based parking and concessions and lifeguards are on duty only during summer months. Swimming areas are open at swimmer’s risk throughout the year. The bathhouse and concession stand is open on weekends in spring and fall and daily all summer. The Alameda County Fairgrounds is a 270‐acre site that has held the annual Alameda County Fair since 1912, as well as other community events and trade shows. Dating back to 1858, the oldest one‐mile horse racing track in the United States is in the fairgrounds, as well as a 3,000 seat amphitheater, a 9‐ hole executive golf course and a model train exhibit. The American Scottish Highland Gathering and Games is held annually in the fairgrounds. Zone 7 Water District (a short name for the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District) provides flood control and water resources to the cities of Pleasanton, Livermore, and Dublin San Ramon Services District. It also sells untreated water directly to agricultural and other customers. The District controls the Arroyo Mocho and Arroyo Valle that flow through Pleasanton and allows the public to access the properties through cooperative agreements. Pedestrian trails that follow portions of each of the arroyos are maintained by the City, as well as some landscape areas where the arroyos run through or adjacent to park sites.