Parks and Green Spaces
Green and open spaces are essential components of Berkeley’s livability, public health, and ecological sustainability. Safe and inviting public parks help to foster physical activity (and low-carbon mobility) such as walking and cycling. Well-designed parks and other open spaces can also serve as parts of an integrated stormwater management system that promote stormwater quality and reduced downstream funding. These are just some of the many benefits our parks offer.
The City of Berkeley has 52 parks, which provide traditional activities such as athletic fields, swimming pools, tennis and basketball courts, as well as numerous tot and school age play areas, community gardens, rock climbing and a variety of water sports at the Berkeley Marina. In addition, Berkeley is host to an extensive network of community gardens. Check out the “map” tab to see their location and approximate number of plots available.Community gardens contribute to Berkeley’s beauty and health and are good for the environment too. When food is produced and distributed near where it is consumed, transportation miles and the associated pollutants are minimized.
City of Berkeley is committed to meeting its Climate Action Plan goals of decreasing greenhouse gas emissions by 33% below 2000 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050 and by creating a healthy and sustainable community. One way that Berkeley is mitigating the effects of increasing extreme heat events is by protecting and increasing urban tree cover. Track our progress toward meeting other climate goals at www.cityofberkeley.info/climateprogress. For more information about other Climate Action Plan see: www.cityofberkeley.info/climate
City of Berkeley Resources
Other Related Topics
- Climate Action Plan
Adopted by the Berkeley City Council on June 2, 2009, the Berkeley Climate Action Plan is the result of the community-based climate action campaign that the Berkeley voters set in motion. The plan is rooted in the vision for a sustainable Berkeley that not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also creates a local vibrant, healthy community.
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