News Release – East Bay Regional Park District

For Immediate Release September 17, 2014

Contacts: Mona Koh, Community Relations Manager, 510-544-2216 Mark Ragatz, Acting Chief of Park Operations, 510-544-2511

New Park Hours at Regional Preserve

Over the past several years, Mission Peak Regional Preserve in Fremont has seen a huge increase in visitors, especially at the Stanford Avenue staging area. The heavy visitor use and overflow parking have impacted the neighborhood as well as caused severe trail degradation and soil erosion in this part of the preserve. To address the situation, the East Bay Regional Park District is instituting new park hours beginning Monday, September 29.

Visitors hiking the Hidden Valley Trail and the Peak Meadow Trail from the Stanford Avenue staging area will be observing the following new park hours:

 Sep 29 – Oct 31: 6:30 am – 7:30 pm  Nov 1 – Feb 1: 6:30 am – 6:00 pm  Feb 2 – Mar 7: 6:30 am – 6:30 pm  Mar 8 – Mar 29: 6:30 am – 8:00 pm  Mar 30 – Aug 30: 6:30 am – 9:00 pm  Aug 31 – Sep 28: 6:30 am – 8:00 pm

Visitors inside the park area - highlighted in yellow in the park map – as well as vehicles in the Stanford Avenue parking lot when the park is closed will be subject to citation/arrest. Citations can cost $300 or more.

The park hours are based on the timing of dusk, consistent with other Regional Parks that adjust their hours similarly. “The new hours,” said East Bay Regional Park District Board President Ayn Wieskamp “will assist in balancing the needs of trail restoration and public use, as well as neighborhood impact.”

Visitors looking for a more serene hike, earlier start hours and more time in Mission Peak may enter the park from the College parking lot at 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont. The park area adjacent to this staging area is open, year-round, from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. The parking lot is accessible from Pine Street or Witherly Lane off Mission Blvd. Two shaded trails - the Peak Trail and the Panorama Trail - lead to the Mission Peak summit. “We highly encourage visitors to hike Mission Peak from . There is plenty of parking here; the trails are easier, more shaded and less crowded,” said Wieskamp.

The three-mile hike up to the Mission Peak summit from the Stanford Avenue staging area is difficult, strenuous and less shaded. “It can get very hot, sometimes over 90 degrees; and with minimum shade, hikers and their dogs have suffered extreme dehydration and heat stroke,” said Park District Police Lt. Lance Brede. “Hikers need to pace themselves. The climb can take up to four hours round-trip. Give yourself enough time to hike up and back to avoid citation when the park is officially closed.”

“We want visitors to have a safe and pleasant experience. Wear sturdy shoes with ankle support and bring plenty of water for you and your dogs,” advised Wieksamp. Visitors are asked to stay on marked trails at all times. Shortcut trails are not only illegal; they can be dangerous and cause severe erosion.

Visitors are also asked to be courteous to neighbors by parking legally without blocking driveways, fire hydrants or mailboxes; packing out all trash; and keeping noise to a minimum - especially in the early and late hours.

Wieskamp added that the Park District is continuing dialogue with Ohlone College and the City of Fremont to address the issues of overcrowding and illegal parking at the Stanford Avenue staging area. “The Park District welcomes visitors to use the Regional Preserve for healthful recreation – with thoughtful consideration for the natural environment, as well as for the surrounding community and neighborhood,” said Wieskamp.

Hikers interested in exploring other challenging hikes in the Regional Parks may view a list here: www.ebparks.org/challengehikes.

The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful public parks and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties east of Bay, established in 1934. The system comprises 114,000+ acres in 65 parks including over 1,200 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature learning. For more information visit our website at www.ebparks.org.