If you're thinking about a place to enjoy a picnic, splash in cool water, or play softball, look no further than the refurbished and renewed Castle Rock Recreation Area in Walnut Creek. Used for decades by the public for recreation, Castle Rock recently underwent some changes and improvements. Castle Rock is a 15-acre area within the larger Diablo Foothills Regional Park.

While the picnic facility and swimming pool have been part of the community since the 1930s, the site was typically available to groups by reservation and managed by a concessionaire who left in 2006. For the past eighteen months, the Park District has been refurbishing the 15-acre recreation area to make it more appealing and accessible to families and small groups. Now for the first time the facility is being staffed full time by Park District employees. Along with Park Supervisor Sharon Saffas, two park rangers attend to the park and visitors' needs.

Seven of the picnic sites can be reserved for individual groups regardless of size, while the rest are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Volleyball courts, softball fields and picnic sites are now open to the public. The remodeled recreation area also features ADA accessible restrooms and changing rooms.

"Our staff is really excited to be able to offer this facility to park visitors," says Park Supervisor, Sharon Saffras. "Diablo Foothills is just a wonderful place for families with kids to get outdoors, take a hike, or learn to ride a mountain bike. Now, they can stop by afterwards to have a picnic and cool off in the pool. It's just the perfect destination right here in the middle of Walnut Creek."

There is a fee to use the pool or to reserve a site, however, parking and access to the ball fields, play area, and non-reservable sites is free. Parking is limited and the public is encouraged to bring a wagon or dolly to move picnic supplies into the picnic area. People with reservations may arrange in advance for help from park staff in bringing in supplies.

To make a reservation call: 1 (888) EBPARKS or visit online at www.ebparks.org

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