happyly approved

Jean Sweeney Park and Playground

1110 Atlantic Ave, Alameda, CA 94501, USA

dawn to dusk

$

playground, run, bike-trails

Jean Sweeney Open Space Park is packed with history and kid-friendly fun.

Jean Sweeney is a newer and not all the way complete open space park. The history of this park is inspiring. It was once a Railroad property about to become a housing development, but by the efforts of a local resident, Jean Sweeney, it became the beautiful park it is today. The maps said there will be a butterfly garden and a second playground but they don’t exist ... yet!

The play area has a giant hillside slide that can fit many kids at a time, a zip line, a big sandbox (don't forget your sand toys), a log path for balancing practice (or floor is lava... which ever your adventurer prefers), a large mallet instrument, an even bigger rope climbing structure, and a hammock swing. There is also an almost gated in play structure that has three slides, ladders, steps, and a snacking table. In this area, there are bucket swings (no standard swings at this park). This playground is geared more towards tots/preschoolers.

Right near this play area is a bathroom and a huge gazebo. Around the open space is a bike path (perfect for practicing bike skills) that doubles as a stroller or scooter path, grassy areas (perfect for picnics), and a future home for a butterfly garden and second playground.

On the other end of the park is a coffee shop and around the corner is another great all-abilities playground, Littlejohn Park. 

This park can get very crowded especially on the weekends or school holidays.  

There is a parking lot but it can fill quickly.

Features

Parking Restrooms Good for All Ages Green Space Biking Sandbox Zipline slides
Thoughtfully captured by:
Jessie Fritzen
Jessie relocated to the Bay Area in 2013 to be a high school math teacher and since has gotten married, has two kids, and is now a SAHM, stay/slay at home mom. She enjoys working on her embroidery crafts and taking her kids to local playgrounds and regional nature parks, both of which were activities she became passionate about during the pandemic when she needed an outlet and a way to maintain her mental health. She loves encouraging local families and visitors alike to laugh, play, and explore. There’s so much to see and do so get outside and do it! #amom2kidsandapark
More activities by Jessie
Small gated playground on The Embarcadero across from the ferry building
Easy walk to Hayward Shoreline for great views of the bay and encounters with nature.

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