Great outdoor places for easy escapes in the East Bay ---

Many families, friends and individuals in the East Bay enjoy local parks and their facilities every week. Below are three local parks that are easy to access and make part of your family events, exercise program, or for a simple escape to a place of nature and relaxation.

These parks are part of the East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD), which comprises 65 parks and more than 1,200 miles of trails for hiking, biking, swimming, horseback riding and nature learning. It represents a huge number of outdoor activities and places to enjoy nature throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties. More details about these and other parks are at www.ebparks.org.

1. Roberts Regional Recreation Area - Oakland
This 82-acre area is a popular place for family and group picnicking. It is known for its lush setting in a grove of fragrant redwood trees off Skyline Boulevard in Oakland.

Park activities and features
• Baseball field, playfields and a sand volleyball court
• Redwood groves
• Hiking, Jogging and Biking
• Picnicking
• Swimming pool (April to October)
• Archery

To reach the park: The park is located at 10570 Skyline Blvd in Oakland. For directions, visit www.ebparks.org

2. Coyote Hills Regional Park - Fremont
A popular park located along the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, northwest of the cities of Fremont and Newark. The most popular visitor activities are bicycling, walking, bird watching, jogging, nature exploration, and picnicking. Well used in spring, summer, and fall, but the park's winter beauty is also wonderful.

Park activities and features
• Visitor Center
• Tuibun Ohlone Village Site (previously Native American Archaeological Sites)
• Nectar Garden
• Picnic Areas
• Group Camps
• Wildlife Refuge
• Hiking
• Bicycling

To reach the park: Coyote Hills Regional Park is located at 8000 Patterson Ranch Road in Fremont. For directions, visit www.ebparks.org

3. Mission Peak Regional Preserve - Fremont
Another popular park with many activities, including a famous hike to Mission Peak - about five hours are required to reach the summit and return. Hiking, biking, dog walking and horseback riding are popular activities.

Park activities
• Interpretive Hikes
• Backpack Camping
• Radio Control (R/C) Flying
• Remote-controlled aircrafts
• Hang Gliding and Paragliding

To reach the park: The parkland's 3,000 acres are accessible from parking lots at Ohlone College or from a small staging area at the east end of Stanford Avenue in Fremont. For directions, visit www.ebparks.org