Venue Information

The land for San Pablo Park was purchased in 1907 for $35,000, making this the City of Berkeley’s oldest park. U.C. Professor Gregg laid out plans for the park in 1914, and a ball diamond and field house were constructed that year. The recreation field was opened for public use in September 1914, one month after the first general superintendent of City playgrounds was appointed. By 1918, the park had two ball diamonds, two tennis courts, hardball courts, and a field house; it was recognized as “one of the best recreation fields” in the Bay Area. A clubhouse was dedicated in 1930. Groundbreaking ceremonies for a new recreation center were held on January 7, 1964. The building was dedicated on October 18, 1964, 50 years after the park’s opening. The center reflected community desires and was designed by architects Campbell and Wong, and cost $200,000. A unique feature was the 5100-square-foot enclosed, landscaped patio and covered walk forming the inner courtyard of the building.