Stumped for a gift for a Bay Area outdoors enthusiast?
East Bay Regional Park District has a suggestion – a Regional Parks Foundation membership.
“Regional Parks Foundation memberships are a great gift for any nature lover,” said Dave Mason, public information supervisor, in his announcement.
“Memberships provide easy access to the Park District’s 73 Regional Parks on 121,000 acres of open space, 55 miles of shoreline, and 1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and nature learning,” he said.
Each membership provides a recipient with a personalized membership card, unlimited day-use parking, an annual dog pass good for up to 3 dogs, free swimming during swim season, camping discounts, free admission to Ardenwood Historic Farm on non-event days, and free horse and boat trailer permits, although boat launch fees still apply, he said.
The Regional Parks Foundation will prepare the “Gift of Membership” package that either can be mailed directly to the recipient or back to the giver to present.
End of the year donations also are a way to support regional parks and programs, including sending underserved kids to camp, restoring natural wildlife habitat, repairing hill and shoreline trails, and transporting the disabled, seniors, and children from low-income neighborhoods to parks, Mason said. Those interested in making donations may visit www.regionalparksfoundation.org/donate to give.
Memberships can be purchased at local REI stores, select regional parks, and online at www.RegionalParksFoundation.org/Join. In-park purchases are available at parking kiosks and point of sale locations at Contra Loma, Roberts, Lake Chabot, Shadow Cliffs, Quarry Lakes, Sunol, Coyote Hills, Tilden, Del Valle, and Ardenwood.
Those interested may call 510-544-2220 or email Membership@ebparks.org. Each gift request is handled individually, Mason said.
