Walking Buddies

Photo Above: Arbolado Park by Patricia Tom.

Meet at the Trailhead
Weekly, Tuesdays at 9:15 am, and usually return by 10:45 am
Tuesday walks are about 4 miles or 1 1/2 hours on flat paved or gravel trails.
There are occasional Thursday hikes.
Drop-in group

by Rolando Salazar

In June, the Walking Buddies group is planning on going to the Martinez Regional Shoreline and Waterfront Park. This park was created by the City of Martinez and the East Bay Regional Park District. The Martinez Waterfront Planning Agency was established in 1974 with a joint powers agreement between Martinez and the Park District to plan the area. There were 344 acres of marshland and industrial fill that were not being used and which the Agency decided to develop. It is now a park with picnic areas, softball fields, bocce courts, and soccer fields that is enjoyed by the general public. It has lawns, ponds, creeks, and trails among the marshy areas and open fields.

Our walk is about an hour and fifteen minutes and mostly a loop. The distance is about 4 miles. There are graveled trails starting near the marina and pier which we use and circle around the shore and go past marsh and wetlands. There isn’t much shade, but cool breezes constantly blow in from the water.

Many people use the trails, fly colorful kites near the shore, fish off the pier and generally enjoy the surrounding areas. Restroom facilities are available in the park and nearby marina. We also walk out on the pier, if the group feels energized at the end of the walk. It is right near the railroad mainline and, most likely, we will see an AMTRAK or freight train go by. The George Miller Regional Trail overlooking the Carquinez Straits is visible in the hills, which we have previously hiked.

If you would like to join us, email Rolando Salazar at rsalazar94598@gmail.com so that he can add you to the email distribution list. The only requirements are that you be a member of the WCSC and agree to the liability waiver.

You can see the Walking Buddies online schedule at rsalazar5.tripod.com/year2023