The City of Concord CA Offers New Meaning to Outdoor Life
Posted in Fly Fishing Gear on the November 28, 2009
Spending an afternoon in the park in Concord California can mean so much more than tossing around a Frisbee or grabbing a cooler packed for a picnic, although you can do that too.
There are farmer’s markets, outdoor concerts and, of course, playgrounds.
Of course there is always Mount Diablo Mountain for serious hikers needing a serious test of their abilities.
“There’s a lot of interest in the parks and recreation here,” says Parks Manager John Rego. “People get involved in different aspects of the park, from soccer and tennis to hiking.”
Many lifelong residents like John spend many hours every weekend outdoors in Concord, which is one of the reasons he moved back to Concord after trying to live elsewhere. You can find him hiking, mountain biking or even playing in one of the many playgrounds with his two children.
But it’s not just the activity he loves, but the break from congestion and traffic the open spaces provide.
“When you drive through an open area, I like to think it gives you a break from the chaotic nature of things,” he says. “The city of Concord does a great job of maintaining the parks. The grass is green and everything looks pretty. You can be proud to go there.”
The city of Concord’s commitment to the upkeep of the parks and other usable public areas that attract residents both old and new.
“Parks add to the quality of life and are valued by business owners planning to locate in Concord,” says Laura Hoffmeister, council member for the city of Concord. “They add to the quality of life for our residents. They provide children and families with a place to go to enjoy the outdoors. They provide a green oasis in the midst of our built-out community.”
There are 27 public parks and over 1,000 acres of open space with an additional 3,000 acres of developed parkland for residents of Concord to utilize every week of the year.
Here is a short list of just a few of the outdoor destinations available in Concord.
Todos Santos Plaza
Home of a year round farmer’s market, this community gathering place was one of the original blocks laid out for the city of Concord more than 125 years ago. Summer concerts are held here every summer and a child play area is a very popular spot for families with young children every day. “It’s a very rare facility for a downtown to have,” Rego says. In fact, more than 100,000 people enjoy the plaza every year.
Newhall Community Park
The 126 acres of Newhall Community Park include the “Paw Patch,” where dog lovers can let their critter comrades mix and mingle off their leashes. “It’s a big ticket attraction,” says Steve Voorhies, senior recreation program manager. The 2-acre dog park was built in 2001.
Hillcrest Park
The park’s play area, built in 2007, accommodates children of all abilities. “It’s a universally acceptable playground that has received many awards,” Voorhies says. “It has musical instruments and large decking areas for kids in wheelchairs, as well as kids who are fully mobile. It’s a beautiful, one-of-a-kind playground.”
MOUNT Diablo
Mount Diablo provides thousands of acres for serious weekend hikers and bikers. Located in Clayton, hikers can access the park through trails that lead out of Concord. And if you make it to the summit on a clear day, you can see for more than 200 miles.
Annually, thousands of families relocate to cities like Concord California. Should you need relocation information, please visit Livability online.