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Jacob Lehmann Duke — shown at last year’s event — is planning great new routes for the 2017 Parks and Paths Challenge.
Parks and Path Challenge July 16: A Fun-Filled Family Fundraiser for Future Handrail Corridor
Help us raise money for our handrail corridor in the Berkeley hills and have a great time in the process. Come to our second-annual, family-friendly Parks and Paths Challenge on Sunday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A creative combination of scavenger hunt, mapping session, and workout, the event will begin and end in Great Stone Face Park. (1930 Thousand Oaks Blvd.)
Designed to accommodate people of any age or fitness level, the Parks and Paths Challenge features three self-guided walks that vary in length — two, four, and six miles — and in difficulty. You choose which one is right for you, and we’ll give you a route map and a list of questions. The map will be marked with numbered checkpoints that indicate where you will find each answer.
“The challenge is to plan a route that reaches all the points as quickly and efficiently as possible and to come back with the answers,” says Jacob Lehmann Duke, BPWA’s veteran walk leader who is organizing this fundraiser for the second year. “You can go solo, go as a family, or organize a team.”
Walks will leave promptly at 10:00,11:00, and noon. Expect some steep stairs and uneven footing on four- and six-milers; the shortest walk does not have difficult paths or any without railings.
Everyone should make it back to the park by about 1:00 to receive a commemorative sticker and enjoy free refreshments, conversation, and the awarding of prizes.
You can save money by registering in advance for the Parks and Paths Challenge on Eventbrite.
More details.
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We don’t sell our shirts online, so don’t miss this chance to pick up yours at the Parks and Path Challenge.
Our Pop Up Store Will Be Open at the Parks and Paths Challenge!
Visit our pop-up store at the Parks and Paths Challenge, Sunday, July 16, (see the story above) at Great Stone Face Park, to buy our new Path Wanderers tee shirts. We’ll also be selling our hats and other merchandise, including note cards, books, and posters. Board member Kay Englund models the green version of our distinctive shirts, and her granddaughter Alma (right) sports the light-gray variation. Adult shirts are $22 and come in sizes xsmall to 2XL. Granddaughter Valentina wears the kids’ version with a red boot, which costs $20 and comes in sizes 4/6 and 6/8 (cast not included).
Our store will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Although we prefer cash, we now accept credit cards. So come shop even if you can’t do the Paths and Paths Challenge.
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This walk begins and ends at the top of Solano, which takes on a new character at dusk.
Sunset Hike in the Berkeley Hills
Thursday, July 6 @ 6:30 p.m.
Leader: Alina Constantinescu
Start: Bottom of Indian Rock Path (NE corner of Solano Avenue and The Alameda)
Here's your chance to get some exercise after work on this hike in the North Berkeley Hills, which will include some much-loved paths and parks. We’ll do a 3.5-mile loop, starting with a climb from Solano to a block shy of Grizzly Peak Blvd., mostly on stairs and steep sidewalks. Our pace will be moderate, with stops to enjoy the views and conversation. We'll watch the sunset from one of the rock parks and be back to our start around 9 p.m. Bring water, a snack, and a flashlight or headlamp.
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The Ohlone Greenway has many treats for the senses, both natural and manmade.
A Walk for All Senses on the Ohlone Greenway
Sunday, July 23 @ 11 a.m.
Leaders: Janet Byron and Robert Johnson
Start: North Berkeley BART Station (southeast side)
Join the co-authors of Berkeley Walks: Revealing Rambles in America’s Most Intriguing City for this accessible stroll — or roll — along the Ohlone Greenway in Berkeley. We’ll focus on the varied sights, sounds, touches, smells, and tastes along 1.2 miles of this flat popular bike and pedestrian trail on a former railroad right-of-way. At Marin Avenue, you can continue to Solano Avenue for lunch at a nearby eatery or double back with the group, passing a few more restaurants on Gilman Street. Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) is co-sponsoring this walk. The route has sitting areas and accessible restrooms, and service and guide dogs are welcome. If you are physically disabled or sight impaired and need transportation, contact BORP’s Lori Gray by July 10 at (510) 849-4663, ext. 1373 or lori@borp.org. Janet and Bob will have books for sale for $20 (cash, check, or credit card).
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Rescue poodle Sophie Anne takes a break on the rocks with her Path Wanderer friends.
Pooches on the Paths: Remarkable Rock Revelations for Pups and People
Saturday, August 5 @ 10 a.m.
Leaders: Wally and Figgy
Start: Dorothy Bolte Park (540 Spruce Street)
We nominate this quarter’s installment of our Pooches on the Paths: All-the-Parks-in-Berkeley series for the Rock ‘n Stroll Hall of Fame. On this nearly three-mile route through the Cragmont section of North Berkeley, we’ll visit two of Berkeley’s lesser-known rock parks, Remillard and Cragmont, and see some of the creative ways neighbors have incorporated indigenous rocks into their landscaping and house facades. Of course, this walk would not be complete without a hike up – yes, you guessed it! – Rock Walk. Expect some hills and stairs, but your reward will be spectacular views, charming canopied paths, and storybook cottages. The pace will be leisurely and, dog or no dog, all are welcome.
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Illuminate, the group behind the lights on the Bay Bridge, will transform the Conservatory of Flowers into a psychedelic delight.
Mark the Summer of Love 50th Anniversary With a Walk in Golden Gate Park
Friday, August 11 @ 7 p.m.
Leaders: Kay Englund and Colleen Neff
Start: Conservatory of Flowers (100 John F Kennedy Dr., San Francisco)
Don your tie-dyed clothes and love beads, put a flower in your hair, and let’s celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love! Meet us at 7 p.m. in front of the Conservatory of Flowers for an hour-long, easy stroll through Golden Gate Park, followed by a BYO picnic dinner and then — what else!? — a psychedelic light show projected onto the Conservatory facade. We’ll put out our blankets, and then walk past the Academy of Science, the bandshell, and the de Young Museum and then around Stowe Lake. We’ll return to our blankets to eat and relax until the show starts at sunset. The lights won’t go off until midnight, so you can stay as long as you like. (You might want to come in early to take advantage of free admission to special Friday night events at the de Young Museum, starting at 5 p.m.)
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La Loma Path before weeding.
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La Loma Path after weeding.
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Make Another Path Picture Perfect
Saturday, July 15 @ 10 a.m.
Help us transform another weed-obscured path into a safe and lovely walkway. R.S.V.P. to Mary Lynch, and she will send you the location of the next Path Maintenance Work Party. We’ll supply gloves and tools, but feel free to bring your own. Refreshments will be served.
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