When asking yourself about something to do near me in Berkeley with a group of friends or family, consider
Live Oak Park
Why Live Oak Park is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Live Oak Park located on the 600 block of North Laspina Street in Tulare is an inviting community space ideal for gatherings, recreational activities, and family events. Its extensive facilities include a large picnic shelter accommodating up to 70 people, with the option to reserve half the space for smaller groups. The park’s baseball field can also be booked for sporting events, making it a versatile venue for both casual and organized activities. Beyond these core features, Live Oak Park offers ample parking, well-maintained BBQ pits, a designated kids’ play area, and restrooms to ensure visitor convenience. Fitness enthusiasts appreciate the exercise course and lighted tennis courts, while others can enjoy the volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and walking paths spread throughout the park. The picnic shelter and baseball field reservations are managed through the Tulare Parks and Recreation Office, with detailed availability accessible online or by phone. The variety of amenities combined with a friendly community atmosphere makes Live Oak Park an excellent place to meet up with friends, enjoy outdoor dining, and participate in sports or leisure activities amid pleasant surroundings.
Here's what people think of Live Oak Park
As of recent, Live Oak Park holds a 4.6-star rating based on 541 reviews.
Visitors to Live Oak Park generally express a high level of satisfaction, reflected in its 4.6-star rating based on over 540 reviews. Many positive reviews highlight the park's well-kept grounds, spacious picnic shelter, and convenient amenities such as clean restrooms and shaded play areas. Users appreciate the affordable reservation fees for the picnic area and baseball field, which encourage frequent family gatherings and community events. Additionally, the availability of sports facilities like lighted tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and exercise courses adds to its appeal as a versatile recreational spot. On the downside, some reviews mention occasional issues such as limited availability of parking during peak times and the costs associated with reserving facilities, which may be a deterrent for spontaneous visitors. A few users have noted that maintenance could sometimes be inconsistent, particularly following large events. Despite these minor concerns, the consensus remains positive with many patrons recommending Live Oak Park as a reliable venue for group activities, casual sports, and community celebrations. In conclusion, while there are areas for improvement, Live Oak Park offers a balanced mix of amenities and accessibility that makes it a favored locale for friends and families to meet and enjoy outdoor recreation.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Anon E. Mouse
Live Oak Park is a nice city park with a mix of amenities and spaces for meeting up with friends. There are several distinct areas for different activity types, and this park is especially popular with families. Between Shattuck and Walnut Streets, there is a green space for groups and families to hang out. There are some nice trees and an idyllic stream where you can catch nature vibes. Directly south of the lawn and separated by the stream, there is the Live Oak Community Center and Live Oak Theater for community events and performing arts. This side of the park contains playgrounds, basketball courts, and tennis courts. The playground amenities are much better for older children than toddlers. The varuous ball courts are in decent-but-not-amazing condition. Across the street (between Walnut and Oxford), there is a smaller park "Area 2" with some picnic tables and a grill. There isn't much green space on this side, but you can visit the Berkeley Art Center while here. I recommend stopping by if you are visiting when the Art Center is open (12pm-5pm, Fri-Sun, free admission).
Joanne Huang
Nice big park with seating area and a creek running through
P. I.
Great place for a little much needed solitude and relaxation alone, that is, until 50 teenagers descend on your private spot with a large party and a meeting that you discover is the writing staff for the Berkeley School newspaper. As a fellow journalist, I graciously surrendered my spot, gave them my blessing, and told them that one of them had better become an award-winning investigator journalist or they would hear from me again. Lol. Sometimes it's your turn, sometimes it's not. Carry on, jacket staff! UPDATE. Returned to attempt solace and satisfaction in a solo grilling effort, and found the place quiet and beautiful with the exception of one septagonarian couple, who were making out for like 20 minutes on the bridge in the middle of the park. I thought it was adorable, and then I enjoyed my kebabs and salad. Just thought I'd share that very important part about my personal life and how I feel about everything and all my tender feelings and everything. Feelings, feelings, feelings. Yeah, can you feel them? Yeah. feelings. Feel them.
Kathleen Valerio
The park has beautiful picnic areas. Sadly the community center onsite was closed the day we reserved, which meant there was questionable access to a bathroom... I was there with a bunch of friends catching up from college days. We had a great time as they are all lovely people. Good food and good friends make any location great. But toilet options need to be improved.
Jake
Decent little park with a moderately sized open field and a nice little creek below. Gets a little buggy down there, and a little busy everywhere else. The park is fine, and there’s nice sun on most days, but the real problem is the Berkeley parents and their kids. The screaming never stops! From the parents, and the kids! Good googly moogly it’s relentless! I couldn’t enjoy the day out here because every single moment was bombarded by the whines and yelps of entitled techy spawn! Continue at your own risk...
How to reach Live Oak Park
None
Website: None
Why rally at Live Oak Park with your friends?
Live Oak Park is an outstanding spot to gather with friends for both casual hangouts and lively group meetups. Its welcoming, vibrant atmosphere combined with diverse recreational amenities makes it an ideal destination to enjoy quality time outdoors. Whether your group is looking to engage in sports, appreciate nature, or simply relax in a peaceful setting, Live Oak Park offers the perfect balance of activities and tranquility. Its lush greenery, large oak and redwood trees, and a gentle creek create a scenic backdrop that enhances any social outing. The park's layout accommodates people of all ages and activity levels, encouraging connection and fun in a safe, community-oriented space. With a solid 4.6-star rating based on over 500 reviews, Live Oak Park clearly resonates well with visitors looking for a dependable destination to meet, celebrate, or unwind with friends. Its accessibility and ample seating areas make it easy to plan extended visits, making it a go-to spot for groups wanting a versatile setting where everyone can find something enjoyable.
What recreational activities does Live Oak Park offer for groups?
Live Oak Park boasts a wide range of amenities that easily cater to diverse interests within a group. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate its two basketball courts, tennis courts, and softball fields, providing various options for friendly competitions or just fun games. There is even a batting cage to practice baseball skills, a rare gem that adds a unique charm for sports lovers. For families or groups with kids, the park is exceptionally accommodating, featuring multiple playgrounds tailored to different age groups. These include a tot lot with baby bucket swings, larger playground areas with big kid swings, and sand and rubber surfaces that promote safe, active play. Beyond sports and play, the park also has lovely grassy areas perfect for picnics, lounging, or outdoor games like frisbee, allowing groups to relax or socialize without structured activity. Additionally, the presence of a small accessible creek adds a playful nature element, inviting exploration and a chance to connect with the environment. The variety of these activities ensures that Live Oak Park can keep groups entertained regardless of size, preference, or age composition.
Why is Live Oak Park perfect for hosting group meetups or family gatherings?
Live Oak Park provides a harmonious mix of functionality and natural beauty, making it an excellent venue for group meetups or family events. The park is separated into two main areas by Codornices Creek, offering both lively playgrounds and serene tree-filled spaces. This division allows groups to tailor their experience—parents can watch children in the playground while adults relax in the shaded, quiet spots. The abundance of mature oak and redwood trees offers ample shade, ensuring comfort even on sunny days. The presence of BBQ facilities adds a great opportunity for grilling and shared meals, ideal for celebratory gatherings or casual weekend meetups. Picnic tables and numerous benches scattered throughout the park provide convenient seating arrangements for small or large groups. Accessibility to outdoor restrooms nearby and the Live Oak Community Center's facilities increase the convenience for longer visits. Although parking can be a bit challenging during peak times, the surrounding neighborhood parking allows reasonable access. Overall, the park’s careful design around both sociability and privacy makes it particularly welcoming for groups looking to enjoy nature, food, and fun in one place.
How does Live Oak Park accommodate different age groups and interests?
One of Live Oak Park's greatest strengths is its multi-generational appeal. It caters adeptly to families with children, teenagers, adults, and seniors alike, making it a dynamic space for friends or family reunions where people of all ages are present. The fenced tot lot is specially designed for the youngest kids, complete with toddler swings and a sandy play surface, giving parents peace of mind while kids explore safely. For older children, there are expansive playgrounds with rubber and wood chip surfaces, encouraging more adventurous play. Teenagers and adults can engage in sports like basketball, tennis, or softball, or enjoy the batting cages and open fields. Meanwhile, the shady grassy areas with picnic spots appeal to those who prefer relaxation, socializing, or nature appreciation. The presence of a creek also encourages exploration and playful interaction with the natural elements, fostering a shared experience for all. This thoughtful range of facilities invites everyone in the group to engage in their preferred activities while remaining within sight and earshot of each other, promoting inclusive and interactive gatherings.
What makes Live Oak Park a standout community hub in its location?
Live Oak Park holds a special place in the surrounding community, acting as a central hub for both recreation and social interaction. Its location in North Berkeley makes it a green oasis amid an urban environment, characterized by comfortable residential areas and a nearby community center that hosts classes and events, contributing to a strong neighborhood vibe. The park is well-maintained with plenty of natural beauty, highlighted by its large shade trees, a stone bridge over the creek, and well-manicured grassy lawns. It is the site of annual events like the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair, which draws crowds and fosters community spirit. The presence of local buskers and musicians adds a cultural layer, enriching the experience with live entertainment during visits. This communal character, paired with its extensive amenities and welcoming atmosphere, makes Live Oak Park much more than just an outdoor space—it is a gathering place that nurtures local connections, healthy lifestyles, and memorable shared experiences.
How accessible and convenient is Live Oak Park for visitors planning a group meetup?
Accessibility and convenience are important factors when planning get-togethers, and Live Oak Park manages these well despite some typical urban constraints. The park is easily reachable via major roads and is located at 1301 Shattuck Avenue, near intersection points like Berryman Street and Oxford Street, which help visitors find it without difficulty. Although there is no dedicated off-street parking, the availability of ample neighborhood street parking means that groups can still arrive with relative ease, though weekend peak times may require arriving early to secure spots. The park's public restrooms and community center add essential convenience for longer visits or events, and the well-marked pathways make navigation inside the park straightforward for all ages and abilities. The combination of shaded seating areas, picnic tables, and BBQ grills enhances comfort and usability, facilitating a relaxing and efficient meetup experience. Altogether, Live Oak Park’s accessibility balances urban realities with thoughtful amenities, making it a consistently reliable choice for group activities.
Live Oak Park’s blend of recreational diversity, scenic beauty, and community spirit creates an inviting environment for friends and family to gather. Whether you want to partake in sports, let kids explore freely, enjoy a peaceful picnic, or join in seasonal festivities, this park offers the flexibility and features that make any group meetup memorable and enjoyable. Its high rating and positive reviews underscore its success as a local favorite where visitors consistently find reasons to return, making it a top recommendation for those seeking the ideal place to rally with friends.