This park is just really cool. On afternoons and weekends it's usually packed full of people. It can be hard at times to find a parking spot but shouldn't be too difficult to park on a side street if needed. There are several parts to this park. One is a flat area with a play scape and a cement slide. There's actually a tunnel nearby that goes under the road and crosses over to the rose garden, which is really cool. The cement slide is a must see for anyone with kids and even if you're an adventurous adult. There are plenty of cardboard boxes around for you to try it out. When I first heard about the cement slide, I didn't think it would be very fun, (cement and sliding didn't go together in my mind) but it is great! Then just a little bit south, above that play scape area, there's a baseball field. So many different people come here to meet. Some people for picnics, some people play soccer, some people play softball, some people bring their dogs. And then inside the woods behind the park, there are a picnic benches. I have a friend who had her wedding reception there. You can reserve them with the city. And then behind the picnic area, there's a hike and if you're very adventurous, there is a waterfall hidden, but it's not easy to find if you don't know about it. I highly recommend this park. During the winter, the baseball field is blocked off with Fence to protect the grass but other parts of the park are accessible. read more

Nice park, good playground for toddlers, and for babies, nice large grassy area, sort of a mini hike to walk around, some barbecue / camping table spots, right next to the rose garden, bathrooms. read more

Codornices Park - Codornices park playground - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

This park gets busy. And why shouldn't it? It's great! Nestled in the Berkeley Hills overlooking the cities and the bay below, amongst the huge trees, you'll see all walks of life enjoying this Berkeley staple. It's made of a lot of different parts - basketball courts, a baseball field, a grassy field across from some great play structures and a huge, long concrete slide. It's epic and built into the mossy hill. When your kids are old enough, they will just do the slide. FYI. Over the bridge, you walk up a hill to some bbq areas, which you can reserve online for parties. The shaded one is so beautiful with this beautiful, huge, old outdoor fireplace. Bbq area #4 has more sun, fyi to those planning. The tunnel leads you to bathrooms, tennis courts and the rose garden. What a great place for a great day. Something for everyone. read more

Hesitant to leave this review because I want to keep this place to myself (and the other hundreds of people who regularly frequent it). I love this park. The tunnel takes you to the beautiful Rose Garden across the street. There are two reservable picnic areas available for use ($75 for every 4/hr time slot). There's a playground for the kids and plenty of lawn area for picnics or hanging out. There's also a narrow concrete slide for more adventurous kids, though they'll need a piece of cardboard to slide down! I haven't come across any dog poo but the lawn area seems like it'd be perfect for that too, so please clean up after any pets! During COVID times, the Rose Garden restrooms are open and there are a few port-a-potties on site for use. Also lots of cute trails in the back to turn this into a light nature walk. We're so lucky to have parks like these that make you forget about the hustle and bustle of the bay area. read more

Located right across the street from the Berkeley Rose Garden, which gets all the much deserved hype, Codornices Park has a lot to offer. The kids love the cement slide here, just remember to bring your cardboard!! The tunnel that connects this park to the Berkeley Rose Garden is very cool!! There's also a playground, a basketball court, picnic areas and if you keep going into the park, trails. Parking along the street can get a little hectic depending on the day, that's probably the only downside here. read more

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Cool park and sweet slide. There are play structures, fields and hiking trails. The rose garden is also nearby. The main attraction is a cement slide that's probably 50 ft long and 30ft high. You grab a piece of cardboard walk to the top, smash you head on a low tree and then come down as fast as you can. It was a great time and the kids loved it too! Everyone seemed to love it. read more

Codornices Park - Some trees in the park. - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

Cool park. Not my favorite though. The concrete slide is unique and a great feature. I think the structures are a little advanced for my 2, 4, and 6 year olds. They are capable of climbing them but I'm pretty nervous they'll fall and they're pretty high up. For the record I am a fairly easy going non-helicopter parent, so for me to be anxious about this park is strange. We'll come back when the kids are a little older. Rose gardens across the street are very nice. read more

Codornices Park - Concrete slide - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

I give it four not five because it is hard to reserve the picnic site. First you have to register an account and then pay for the administrative fee. It takes some time if you are the first time there because of the design of the website. So here is half point down. Meanwhile, the picnic site does not allow personal grill device, so the public one is the only choice. However, the grill is so dirty... I cannot even think if I directly put raw meat on it. Thus, we brought our own grid and lifted it up with four small stones. So another half point down. I strongly recommend a 4:30-8:30 shift in summer since the sunset is late and the sunshine won't burn anyone. With some dry pine woods on the grounds, it is easy to set up the fire with some charcoal. Last but it least, remember to bring water to put out the fire!!! I guess I will return to this site for another BBQ picnic~ read more

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This is such a beautiful little park! We love stopping by this park after walking through the Rose Garden. Because they're limiting the Botanical Garden visits to those who are members or Cal affiliates and those who make a reservation, we've been heading to this park and the garden across the street instead. I love the little creek near the picnic benches in the forest with the cute stone bridge. It's really lovely to walk over and around as the area never seems to be overly crowded. We've returned a few times to enjoy the trees and the short hike so we'll definitely keep coming back! read more

We went here for a memorial and stayed in the stadium of trees. It was beautiful. We ate a catered lunch on the other side of a stream and that was good too. The bathroom was clean. It's a cute little park for hanging, I don't know about the hiking. I went to the bathroom twice and it was fine for a public park. My husband was the door the first time and the second time, I discovered chain that people put across the entryway when they are using the john. We came again and sat a a cute little table for a picnic. It was great! We ate unmolested by bugs and such. We walked through the field to get there which was fine. But had to go to the bathroom and found an ice cream cone of toilet paper on top of the toilet seat. And it was the only bathroom, and I had to go. One bathroom for the whole park. Not good! Not good at all. I'll come again, but won't eat or drink anything beforehand. read more

I love the ambiance, trails, creek, ball field and playgrounds here! I live in the neighborhood so feel really lucky to have such a big park with huge trees and forest areas next to play areas for adults and kids and dogs. read more

This is a great park in North Berkeley. There is a giant Baseball Field where in addition to softball / baseball - you can use it for Volleyball / Soccer if you bring your own nets. There is also outdoor full court basketball. There are some hiking trails. If you are coming with a group, please make a reservation beforehand. Had to move / relocate two times because people had reservations. read more

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Great slide and playgrounds. My son is 7 and had a blast on the slides. Locals are super friendly as well. They showed us the secret trail to the waterfall and we had an adventure to see it. Another beautiful gem in NorCal read more

What a great place! It's very open and it's got everything from baseball fields to cardboard slides, a playground, basketball hoops, miniature hikes, and even a tunnel to the tennis courts and rose garden. It's sunny but also has plenty of trees for shade. It feels safe and parking can be tough on popular days but is typically okay. Would definitely recommend! read more

Great park! A needed break from the norm. Has a concrete slide that is FAST... but it's safe. Should have plenty of cardboard pieces left behind so enjoy it and just chill!! read more

Codornices Park - Beautiful park... basketball court just to the right so bring a ball. - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

Review #234 - 2018 I've driven by this park once before when I came to visit the Berkeley Rose Garden so I made sure that we stopped by this time that I brought my nieces to the rose garden again. There's a lighted underground tunnel that leads to the playground from the rose garden, which is nice so you don't have to cross the street with the kids. Safety is very important. My daughter was very happy to see the playground that she ran toward the slides immediately after we walked out of the tunnel. Both of my teenage nieces enjoyed the park as well. We walked around the park for a bit and saw that there were a few different hiking trails. I actually went down the cement slide with my daughter and she was super scared because both of our weight made us go down super fast. Poor baby! My 18-year old niece went down that slide as well and even she agreed it was kind of scary. My other niece was too scared to try so she just stayed down and recorded us. There's a lot of different things to enjoy here. They have picnic tables for families and basketball hoops as well for the older kids. It's a one-stop park for family of all ages. read more

Codornices Park - 07/31/2018: Nice park - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

Nice park, shaded, dog friendly and connects to Berkeley rose garden via a short tunnel. Kids loved the slide!!! There are also easy hiking trails around the park. Only call out is limited parking (street parking) so be prepared for it, otherwise A+! read more

Waterfall on private property. Such sweet magic!!!! Gorgeous and secretive read more

New to this area so I decided to walk to the nearest parks. Easy trek through the nearby neighborhood and was not disappointed. This park spans a large area with lots of benches and play areas for kids. It's also nice for those looking for more than just a light walk-lots of mini pathways to explore. Some lead up the hill and some lead to the back where the water runs. A nice place to enjoy the weather and read a book! read more

Codornices Park - Walkway down a hill to a little bridge - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Place was great and within walking distance to the rose garden. The park is actually beautiful and great for kids, walks or walks with a friendly pet. Behind the slide there's a flat green grass area. PERFECT place for pictures. I'll be back. The cardboards aren't always there, there was only about 4 luckily it wasn't crowded, people know why you're there so they take turns with the cardboards. Careful not to put your hands down sliding down, the rock will tear up your hands if you aren't careful. It's not bumpy so it's not hard to remember not to touch the sides. read more

Codornices Park - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Awesome park especially for small kids. Fun cement slide and playground. Loved the tunnel leading to the rose garden and a little hike through the redwood. The surrounding town is lovely too. Near UCB. read more

Codornices Park - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

I tried the concrete slide with my daughter. It's at a kids park. I thought it would be fun. I held her and we went down. As most people who have went on this know, there is a nasty sharp small turn toward the bottom. My arm is cut in like 7 different places and it burns. Fortunately her scrapes didn't break skin as I was holding her but they also burned. We were unexpectedly flung to the side. I look like I got in a bad biking accident. I had to get treated at the park and moms were telling me this happens every day. I saw another kid try the first time and he looked devastated after flying off and getting scraped. I get that it can be done without injury, and it can be fun, but this does not belong in a childrens park with tiny slides. I later found out that someone in my extended family still has a scar from when she was a kid. We are talking like 30 years ago. I'm disappointed in the city of Berkeley for never taking steps to rectify this. Oh, and the kids that don't use cardboard? The concrete rips apart their clothes after a bit of time. Facing fears and having fun is one thing. People fall and they get hurt. But the level of bleeding and scraping that I experienced after going down this slide unprepared as a competent adult with my daughter was very surprising to me. Oh and hats off to the guy who went down with his baby. I guess he know what was doing. read more

Hiking trails, kid's play area, sand pit, bridges, picnic tables - every thing that a family would want for an afternoon out. And a mega slide like an amusement park! read more

Codornices Park - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

Late on a sunny weekend day I found myself wandering the paths of this park with that deja vu feeling. "Does this remind you of anyplace?" I asked, wanting to confirm what I was feeling. "Yeah. It reminds me a bit of Central Park". My thoughts exactly. The wonderful thing about great places that remind you of other great places is that they're reminders, not replicas. Amsterdam, for instance, reminded me of San Francisco even though it was entirely unique. Maybe it was just the feeling I got when I was there; an "I love this place" feeling. And so it was with Codornices Park. This park seemed to have a little bit of everything: sprawling green fields, paths leading around and up and over and back, grills reeking of lighter fluid, small children toddling away from their parents, people practicing guitar, dogs retrieving balls, group singing, children's parties. And then there's that concrete slide which brings out the kid in everyone even if it shouldn't. There's cardboard all around for the taking and finding the two together is irresistibly alluring. Damn that slide is zoomy. With the sun overhead, a cool bay breeze, and all the aforementioned assets, this park is perfect. I can't put my finger on why I was reminded of Central Park and you might not feel the same but that doesn't mean you won't like it just the same. * Easy, free street parking * Dogs allowed * Across the street from (and surrounding) the Berkeley Rose Garden * Wear closed toed shoes on that slide or be like me and break your toe. read more

Gorgeous park, great slide, huge play area, nice kids and grownups, and a cool tunnel stroll to the beautiful rose garden. My almost-4-year-old loved it, too. If they had a decent bathroom instead of the glorified outhouse they have there now, I'd give Cordonices Park 5 stars. read more

In all seriousness, I think I found Narnia. It's directly across the street from the Rose Garden, and the whole park is surrounded by greenery. There are trees and bushes everywhere, with stairs and bridges tucked away in between. The playground is super cute, with a smaller playground for younger kids, and there's even a concrete slide. It's actually taller and steeper than I thought, and it was so much fun! (Let's just ignore the fact that I'm a 20 year old). Don't forget to bring a piece of cardboard to sit on, because the slide can be a little dirty. There's also a short hiking trail if you walk up the stairs and follow the path, but there are many hidden spots to explore. My boyfriend and I had a great time exploring and taking pictures! This park is truly one of a kind, and definitely worth the visit :) read more

Codornices Park - Don't forget to bring a piece of cardboard to sit on! - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

Awesome, awesome, awesome park!! I was so excited to come here to slide down the big cement slide. However, amongst arriving it was filled with tons of kids on the slide therefore I decided not to intrude their fun. Maybe next time hehe. Instead my BF and I explored the park in search for the hidden waterfall. It was so fun exploring this park. There's plenty of paths and bridges to follow. I felt like Dora the explorer lol. We followed the stream of water leading towered the center of the park but eventually got lost. With the help of a resident, we eventually found the tiny waterfall. Idk how to explain it but you have to go through a little gate that says "no trespassing." Anyways, I love this park because there's so much nature happening here. Plenty of trees which means plenty of shade. I also noticed there's plenty of picnic areas as well. Definitely a nice little gem in Berkeley. Parking can be found on the street. Also, the Berkeley rose garden is just right across the street. Fun fun! read more

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This is the park where I take visiting family members, so show off the best of Berkeley and to meet the needs of a wide range of ages. It is magical. The cement slide manages to be thrilling for adults, but be safe enough for a three-year-old. The trails in the beautiful green canopy, with bridges and streams, provide peace to adults and adventure for little explorers. There is a separate sandbox area for the wee ones, and it doesn't smell like wee. Bring a picnic and bask in the sun on the generous lawn area. There is a tube that connects the park to the Rose Garden. It is clean! Run through it, make train noises, pretend there are bats, sing songs and hear the echo. The other end of the tunnel is also where you'll find a bathroom. It is not only worth the trek up into the hills of Berkeley, but I would put it on a short list of best gems of Berkeley. read more

Wow! I can't believe there's actually a Yelp listing for this. I'm going to go look up all my other favorite parks now... In any case, even as a graduate student, I LOVE the concrete slide. Except I feel really self-conscious about it when there's a bunch of little kids around. So next time I'll try to go at a time when everyone's in school and us "grown kids" can go down the amazing slide with no reserve! Don't forget your piece of cardboard, and go crazy! read more

Codornices Park - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

Wonderful park. You're never too old, or too young to grab a slab of cardboard and ride the concrete slide. Just be careful, because sometimes people will wax it and you will go ridiculously fast. Plus points for the secret waterfall nearby. read more

The slide was so much fun. The playground area is small. But the slide and a hike to the water fall is what we came for. And they did not disappoint. The grounds are well maintained. read more

Codornices Park - Beautiful view from our walk. - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Man, this place makes me feel like a Toy R Us kid! They have everything here. You can have a lovely BBQ picnic and then play either basketball, baseball, or tennis. Too stuffed to move? Just lay on the grass and enjoy the beauty or take a scroll to the Rose Garden that is nearby BUT, the main reason why I come here is the slide. Hands down the best slide I ever been on. I doubt you will be disappointed. It's the longest one I've been on and made out of cement. How cool is that! read more

Codornices Park - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

I haven't lived in Berkeley since the mid 60s. I was born there... we lived up on Shasta near the top of the 90 steps. Cordonices holds some of my most vivid memories of childhood in Berkeley... I loved it then. I recall the gigantic slide (it seemed that way then) and doing arts & crafts there too. Given my visits over the years, and seeing how little the place has really changed, I can only think that kids must love this place now. From one ex 4 year old to another -- take your kids here and let them play and explore, they will remember this place. read more

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Best part- Giant Rock Slide! I I cannot believe I never visited this place while I lived in Berkeley. I went here for a going away party. We had so much fun going down the giant rock slide! We picnicked in the park and cooked up some hamburgers and hotdogs on the bbq. There's also a basketball court that we used both to play basketball and as a dance floor. If you want to break away, you can go through the tunnel and find yourself in a pretty nice rose garden. :) read more

My kid had so much fun on the concrete slide. It is a workout going up the stairs and the slide is fairly long abd steep. She and her friend kept going on it the whole time not really utilizing the rest of the park. There is a bathroom stall, a basketball court and hiking trails close by. Across the street is rose garden. Other than the slide the playground is pretty small. read more

Do over. That's all that can be said. Spent the day in Berkeley escaping the heat of the East Bay valley. After meandering on Shattuck, we looked for a park based on our daughter's (10) request. "Debra" our GPS came up with the Berkeley Rose Garden... which wasn't what we were hoping for... but a chance yarn bomb on a street sign caught my daughter's eye and she pointed it out to me (avid knitter and yarn bomber hopeful) ... then Codornices Park caught our eye up the hill and across the street. We almost missed it! Spent a lot of time here. She wore herself out going up the stairs to slide down the cement slide. Hubby and I perched on a stone bench overlooking the slide. Definitely coming back with a picnic and plan to stay a while longer! read more

During my four years at Berkeley, why have I not known about this park...it's freaking awesome! There's so much to do from sports like basketball, soccer, frisbee, and baseball (they have a diamond!) to hiking through paths and ability to reach a waterfall to chillin under the trees and BBQ-ing, I could see myself spending hours at Codornices! But nothing beats that concrete slide...even looking at that thing is a bit intimidating, but Kathleen W. got me up there and I'm so glad I did. Being a lot heavier than the 6-year olds that were going down the slide, I definitely picked up speed and seriously almost bailed at that last turn before the bottom. Thrilling much! The only bad part about it is really that I was unaware of it's awesome-ness while at Cal. Darn. read more

This park taught me how to play again. Hours of entertainment for grown ups and wee rugrats alike! Bright and hilly with running water and shady groves, it has all the elements of top-notch outdoor recreation: two playgrounds for kiddies young and old, areas to kick/bat/throw around balls of all sorts, swings, BBQ pits (BYOC), and the most famous attraction, the concrete slide. I felt a little sheepish gathering a piece of discarded cardboard and lining up with a bunch of six year olds to wait my turn for the thrills of the forty foot S-shaped slide. They gave me instructions: keep your hands in, butt protected, and skin covered. Totally exhilarating! Have you ever tried swinging as high as you can, then once you reach the apex, closing your eyes and leaning back, coming up slowly until you reach the highest point of arc? Your stomach will do that flippy thingey that happens on upside down roller coasters! Man, I love that feeling. read more

One of the coolest parks I've ever been to? WHY?? Because there's a massive concrete slide! I used to spend hours here as a kid. Grab a piece of cardboard at the base of the slide (park goers are always kind to leave some), run up the hillside to the top and prepare to feel like you're going 80mph, when you're probably only going 7. Either way, it's an amazing rush, especially for the younger kids out there. There are also a few pretty new play structures, a basketball court, and direct connection to the neighboring rose garden. Oh yeah, there's also a massive hill to roll down. Take my word for it, and get over here on a sunny day, if you have kids that need to burn some energy. -Tyler read more

I don't know about you but I can only stare at roses for so long before I get bored and need to move on. Codornices Park is the next destination, as it is right across the street and is lumped as a package deal with the Berkeley Rose Garden. The park is unassuming. As soon as you enter you see the basketball courts and the children's playground. The guys are serious about their game here and the kids are just as wild for the giant slide. There are plenty of picnic tables available. Students use them for projects and big groups like to have their parties. If you walk further and up the hill, you will discover hidden paths through the "woods". It's hard to tell where the paths lead as with each few feet, you are given the choice of another path but eventually if you keep going, you will just reach the top where the "woods" level and give way to patches of grass. Imagine your own "Twilight" moment. It's just like that. And then you will notice a homeless person sleeping in the area that is supposed to be inhabited by you and Edward. Wake up. It is Berkeley after all. Codornices Park is excellent for whether you want to play a game of ball, hang out with your friends, slide down on a piece of cardboard (kids only please), or just hike off french toast and burgers from Garibaldis. I would not recommend using their bathroom though. The guy who walked out of one said it was "sort of" a bathroom. We walked in to check it out and it was gross. Not a big surprise but certainly one you wouldn't want to use... Unless you're a guy. I think guys have an easier time dealing with those situations. read more