City of Berkeley
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Aquatic Park Water Quality: As of April 30, 2024 bacteria levels exceed the State Water Quality standards resulting in a yellow advisory.  

Bacterial samples are collected weekly, usually on Tuesday mornings. The Parks Division updates the page when there is a change in water quality.

Bolivar Drive is re-opened between Addison Street to Bancroft as one-way vehicle traffic entering from Addison Street. Waterside Workshops, Street Level Cycles, and BORP are open. Dreamland Playground is open during construction. Please expect construction delays during construction hours. 

Aquatic Park

Lagoon at Acquatic Park
Address: 80 Bolivar Dr Berkeley, CA 94710
Open in map
Size: 32.76 land acres | 1,427,000 sq. ft. | 67.7 water acres (Aquatic Park Lake)
Hours: 6 AM to 10 PM (unless otherwise indicated)

Renting this park

Renting This Park

You can reserve a facility and/or sports field at this park. Learn how to rent a picnic area, community center, wedding area, or other facility. Learn how to reserve a time slot at a sports field or court.

Aquatic park features a large lagoon for boating, as well as walking and biking trails, reservable picnic areas, and disc golf.

Features

  • Boat Access
  • Lawn
  • Picnic Area
  • Restroom
  • School-age Play Area
  • Walking/Biking Trails
  • Wheelchair Accessible

Sports Fields

  • Disc Golf

Located in the southwest corner of Berkeley, Aquatic Park is a long linear 100 acre park between Ashby and University Avenues. The official address of the park is 80 Bolivar at the base of Bancroft Avenue. The lagoon, which makes up 67.7 acres of the park, has two water sources- tidal water from San Francisco bay and fresh water from storm water that drains into the lagoon. The park is inclusive of streets that surround the Park. Aquatic Park provides a wide range of recreational opportunities including, walking, biking, picnicking, boating, bird watching and disc golf. Swimming and fishing are not allowed. 

History 

Aquatic Park was constructed between 1935 and 1937 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). It was built as part of the Berkeley Waterfront Project along with the construction of the Bayshore Highway and Yacht Harbor. Tide gates were constructed to help keep the water level constant in Aquatic Park Lake. A citywide celebration entitled “Pageant of the Land and Sea” was held on May 7, 1937, to formally dedicate the park for public use.  

Aquatic Park Lake was designed to conform to international standards for Model Yacht Racing, and in 1938 both the National and Pacific Coast Regatta for M-class Boats were held at the park. 

Through the years, community participation has played a key role in the development of various features at Aquatic Park. Most recently, over 2,000 volunteers, organized through Friends of Aquatic Park and Berkeley Partners for Parks, participated in creating "Dream Land for Kids," a fantasy playground designed by Berkeley school children under the guidance of architect Robert Leathers and Associates.

Recent improvements to Aquatic Park include the Tide Tube Sediment Removal Project, which improved the flow of water between the lagoon and the bay. The project was funded by Measure T1.

water quality

All bodies of water contain microscopic organisms. This Aquatic Park lagoon is monitored weekly for Enterococcus bacteria, an indicator for possible presence of human health risks. If bacteria levels exceed state health standards, advisory signs will be posted at a variety of locations around the lagoon. This body of water is suitable for limited recreation activities such as boating, paddling and rowing. Swimming or bathing is prohibited at all times.