East Bay Baby

Since I’m new to this side of the SF Bay, I’m still surprised when I find a park or site that’s particularly picturesque, such as Lake Elizabeth in the Central Park of Fremont.

On the day I visited, the lake was absolutely calm.  I imagine that the lake gets more crowded on weekends, since paddle boats and kayaks can be rented on weekends and holidays April to September, from noon to 5:00pm.  We took a nice walk around the lake (I believe there’s a 2-mile path around the lake), and the path was fit for stroller use.  In fact, we saw many moms with babies in strollers at the lake – it seems like this is the place for moms to hang out.

There are also 4 different playground areas, so you’re bound to find a playground suitable for all ages.  There’s also a skate park, and the City of Fremont recently opened up the Aqua Adventure Water Park in Central Park.

If you go to the Park’s website, you’ll see that there are a lot of great facilities at the park, such as 13 reservable group picnic sites, softball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, a dog park, golf driving range, etc.

Also located at Central Park is the Senior Center, so there will be no shortage of seniors cooing at your little one if he is cute, and scolding or scowling at him/her if he’s not.  On the day I went, there were lots of elderly Chinese men and women practicing tai-chi, gossiping, and playing chess, walking their fluffy little dogs, etc.

There are three different snack bars at the Park; they weren’t open when I was there, so I couldn’t survey the goods.  But their prices seemed reasonable.  I’ll attach a picture of the menu.  Note that unfortunately there is no beer on the menu.

There are three different snack bars at the Park; they weren’t open when I was there, so I couldn’t survey the goods.  But their prices seemed reasonable.  I’ll attach a picture of the menu.  Note that unfortunately there is no beer on the menu.

I peeked into the restroom to check out the facilities.  While clean, there is no changing table in the restroom.  Although that seems to be a major oversight, there are plenty of grassy areas and picnic benches/tables for you to find a quiet little spot to change your little one’s diaper (or to nurse).