History of the East Bay Regional Park District: Democracy in Action 
Virtual Program
Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 11:30 am

Beverly Lane, retired longtime EBRPD Director, will present a lively virtual program on the East Bay’s huge Regional Park system. The Regional Parks grew to cover 125,000 acres because leaders saw the need for open space parks and people regularly voted to support these parks – but never without controversy.   

She will tell several stories about the Park District’s 89-year history. The 1930’s debate surrounding the District’s creation featuring two giants of the twentieth century, Governor George Pardee and Major Charles Lee Tilden. Contra Costa voters decision in 1964 to join EBRPD doubling the districts size. Last, but certainly not least, how the Iron Horse Trail came about in the 1980’s a combination of citizens demands, Park District master planning and elected officials saying “yes”.

The Park District’s creation and expansion is an example of democracy in action, extraordinary give and take among public officials, the California legislature, environmentalists, hikers and developers. 

If you have any problems registering, please contact Donna Grier at [email protected] or call (925) 837-3750. You will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link upon registration.

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