Park Safety Tips Oakland, California

Preparation before visiting a state park unit is important due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Plan ahead before leaving home.
 

Although State Parks have expanded access to some park units, it does not mean that recreation is back to normal in the outdoors, and visitors should be aware that there will be a different view of the state park than they are used to. To find out if it is open if parking is available if camping reservations can be reserved and what new visitor rules are in place, be sure to check the website of your local outdoor destination.
 

Please try to remain local and practice 6 feet or more of physical distancing. Just people within your immediate home should include your guests, which means no guests or relatives, and no meetings, picnics, or parties. Visitors are asked to leave if there are too many individuals to allow for the physical distance necessary.
 

• PARK CLOSURES - Area and seasonal closures for observation

• RED FLAG DAYS - Park visitors can watch for Red Flag warnings during the East Bay fire season. In general, the fire season extends from May through October. On Red Flag Days, because of the high fire risk, parks and their rental facilities can be closed to all visitors. Please note the posted updates.

• MOTORIZED VEHICLES - Motorized vehicles can only be allowed on designated streets and parking lots for public access.

• CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF - A fine is imposed for littering and dumping. Please gather your garbage from the park grounds and dispose it. We kindly ask you to take your litter with you if there are no available trash receptacles near you or if they are full.

• NO COLLECTING - Do not kill trees, plants, fungi, or animals from parks. No meeting inside the park.

• TRAIL USE - Many parks have nature trails that are multi-use. Bicyclists cede to horses and hikers for safety; horse riders cede to hikers.

• STAY ON TRAILS - To protect park soil from erosion and to preserve native plants and wildlife, please stay on trails.

• ON-LEASH Pets ONLY - Oakland is a neighborhood that is dog-friendly. Dogs should be held under voice command and on loan. In our list, you can locate off-leash dog play areas.

• PICNIC SITES - Whether you have a permit or reservation, on a first-come, first-served basis, sites are open.

• FIRE USE - No fires in parks, except for charcoal fires in barbecue pits provided by the city. Before leaving the picnic spot, please put out your fire. Visitors are advised to deposit their coal in specified bins. If these containers are not available, to prevent a possible fire, please remove the coals from the park.

• WEAPONS OR FIREWORKS - No allowed weapons or fireworks.

• NOISE AND SOUND - Do not produce unnecessary noise, even over 50 feet of noisy music and barking dogs. You would need to get a permit from the Department of Parks and Recreation if you want to play music on the speakers.

• ALCOHOLIC DRINKS - Without a permit, alcoholic beverages are not permitted. In the designated areas, you must serve and drink these drinks.

• INFLATABLE JUMPERS AND BOUNCE HOUSES - Bounce houses are not allowed in all parks. Contact the Parks and Recreation Department for approval at least 30 days before the event. You will need to obtain an insurance card.