Codornices Park

Codornices Park provides a variety of recreational and play opportunities in a picturesque hillside setting.Codornices Park, one of Berkeley’s first parks, opened in 1915 with a magnificent field house, a fine tennis court, and numerous other play features. The City of Berkeley leased the land owned by the Water Company (succeeded by the East Bay Municipal Utilities District, or EBMUD) for $1.00 per year for 50 years in an agreement dated October 11, 1921. The City exercised the option to purchase the land in 1967 and purchased it from EBMUD on January 22, 1976 for $68,968. The softball field was constructed in 1970. Los Amigos de Codornices formed a community group in 1980 to create a park plan and launch a series of community work parties to restore paths, meadows, hillsides, bridges, and trails.

Baseball/softball fields, basketball court, tot play area, picnic/BBQ area (reservation required), hiking trails through glades and groves of magnificent oaks, bay trees, and redwood, a vista/overlook, two forks of Codornices Creek, and a tunnel beneath Euclid Avenue leading to the Berkeley Rose Garden are all available in a beautiful hillside setting.

The park is named after Codornices Creek, which runs through it; the creek’s name translates to “quail” in Spanish. There are secluded trails and staircases along the creek. Even if going into a secluded, wooded area isn’t your thing, there are plenty of amenities available out in the open, such as picnic areas, a baseball field, basketball courts, play areas for both younger and older kids, concrete slides, and even a tunnel to the Berkeley Rose Garden across the street.

The park is actually quite lovely, and it’s ideal for family outings, walks, or walks with a friendly pet. A flat green grass area is located behind the slide. 

It’s directly across the street from the Rose Garden, and the entire park is surrounded by greenery. There are trees and bushes everywhere, with stairs and bridges tucked in between. The playground is adorable, with a smaller playground for younger children and a concrete slide.

The cement slide is thrilling for adults while remaining safe for a three-year-old. The trails through the beautiful green canopy, complete with bridges and streams, provide peace for adults and adventure for young explorers. There is a separate sandbox area for the little ones that does not smell like wee. Bring a picnic and relax on the expansive lawn area.

The park and the Rose Garden are linked by a tube. It’s spotless! Run through it, make train noises, act like there are bats, sing songs, and listen to the echo. A bathroom is also located at the other end of the tunnel.