Come tour site of new park planned at former Roddy Ranch golf course
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Sept. 20, 2021) — Planning is now under way to create a new regional park at the former Roddy Ranch golf course in Antioch.
As part of the process East Bay Regional Park District will host an open house at the site from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25.
It’s a chance to learn about the park’s planning process and design ideas, stroll along the old golf cart paths, and have a look at some wildlife habitat restoration projects.
The public is welcome, but registration is required. You can register via t.ly/4Axy or by calling 888-327-2757, selecting option 2, and referencing program number 41871.
If wildfire smoke or other hazards result in cancellation of the event, the alternate date will be Saturday, Oct. 9.
The 230-acre golf course, along with previously acquired Roddy Ranch properties, is part of the future Deer Valley Regional Park, which will total 3,254 acres. The golf course closed in 2016 after 16 years of operation. Many of its greens and fairways have reverted to a more natural state.
The park district purchased the future regional park properties from Donna and Jack Roddy in partnership with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy.
For general information on the project, contact planner Eddie Willis at 510-544-2621.
Black Diamond Mines
While we’re in Antioch, Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve has scheduled guided walks to the park’s historic Rose Hill Cemetery from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, Sept. 25 and Oct. 23.
It’s a 10- to 15-minute uphill walk from the parking lot to the cemetery. Along the way, guides costumed in 19th century attire will tell stories of the hard-working miners and their families who lived in the once-bustling communities of Somersville and Nortonville. Rose Hill Cemetery was the Protestant burial site for the two towns. Some of the grave markers have inscriptions in the Welsh language, as Wales was many of the miners’ homeland.
The program is free, but space is limited and registration is required. To register, call 888-327-2757 and select option 2. Black Diamond Mines has a parking fee of $5 per vehicle when the kiosk is attended.
Over the Hills Gang
The Over-the-Hills Gang is an informal group of hikers 55 and older who enjoy exercise, fitness and nature study on a series of naturalist-led hikes.
The group will explore Wildcat Canyon Regional Park from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 28 with naturalist Trail Gail, starting at the Alvarado Staging Area on Park Avenue off McBryde Avenue in Richmond. The park has some interesting historic sites.
This is a drop-in program; registration is not necessary. For information, call 510-544-2233.
Ardenwood historic farm
Kids of all ages will enjoy the puppet shows performed at 10:30 a.m. every Saturday in September by the naturalists at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont. The colorful cast of puppet characters illustrates the importance of pollinator insects.
Ardenwood is at 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard just north of Highway 84 (the Dumbarton Bridge approach). Programs at the farm recreate life on a prosperous 19th century estate. Admission fees apply; parking is free. For information, call 510-544-2797.
Ned MacKay writes a regular column about East Bay Regional Park District sites and activities. Email him at nedmackay@comcast.net.