Outdoor Spaces & Buildings
Berkeley values it's green space, with many city parks, parklets, and miles of walking trails. Thanks to Ed Roberts, who led the disability rights movement as a student at UC Berkeley in the 1960's, accessibility of outdoor spaces and public buildings was advanced with nearly universal curb cuts, accessible city-owned buildings, and a robust set of non-profit organizations dedicated to ensuring that the needs of all residents and visitors are considered in the built environment. Improvements that go beyond ADA compliance and additional programs for older adults with varied physical abilities will make the city even more livable for everyone.
Age Friendly Resources
Public
Nonprofit & University
Park Map
With parks spread out across the city, there are many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. However, the quality and availability of amenities such as bathrooms, benches, and lighting vary across parks. There is a bus from downtown directly to the Marina and the Botanical garden, but public transit access to some other parks is limited. It may be necessary to drive to some parks, especially for those traveling from destinations other than downtown.
Community Survey Results
One of the top reasons survey respondents rated Berkeley positively as a place to age was walkability.
59%
said they walk
18%
said they bike
...as a form of transportation for errands and appointments
Take Aways
Infrastructure and Policy: While there are many green spaces around the city, amenities to make spaces safer and accessible, like public bathrooms, lighting, and benches, are variable. In addition, while some areas of the city, such as downtown, have various public transportation options, accessing parks from other areas requires a car or multiple bus lines.
Equity and Inclusion: The city started implementing accessibility standards ahead of many other places, but improvements to sidewalks, bus stations, and other outdoor spaces have not continued with the same momentum. The city is aware of these problems and assessing where to invest in additional accessibility efforts.
Information: There are many wonderful parks throughout Berkeley, but information about these parks, their programs, and the accessibility of activities are not easy to find and the city website is not always up to date with information.
Action Plan
In Process
Year 1
Year 2-3
