Big Break Regional Shoreline facts for kids

Big Break Regional Shoreline is a cool park located in Oakley, California. It's part of the East Bay Regional Park District, which manages many parks in the area. This park is a great place to explore nature and learn about the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta.

Delta Visitor Center

The park has an awesome place called the Delta Visitor Center. It's like a museum and a science lab all in one! You can learn about nature, science, and even start your paddling or hiking adventures from here. This visitor center opened in October 2012.

Inside, there's a huge interactive map of the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta. It's about 1,200 square feet (110 m²) big and shows how water flows through the region. There's also a large model of the delta and some restored wetlands to explore.

How the Park Got Its Name

The park's name, "Big Break," comes from a real event. In 1928, a levee broke near the San Joaquin River. This caused a flood that covered an asparagus farm. The flood created a small bay where fresh river water mixes with salty water from San Francisco Bay. That "break" in the levee is how the park got its unique name!

Amazing Wildlife

Big Break Regional Shoreline is home to many different animals. The park district says there are at least 70 kinds of birds and several types of mammals living here.

• Birds you might see include the black rail, northern harrier, and white-tailed kite. You could also spot great blue herons, great egrets, snowy egrets, green herons, and white-faced ibises.
• Mammals living in the park are beavers, muskrats, and river otters.
• Reptiles like western pond turtles also live here. These turtles are a special concern in California, meaning their populations need protection.

Fun Things to Do

Big Break Regional Shoreline offers many activities for visitors:

• Delta Discovery Experience: This area has covered outdoor spaces where you can learn about the Delta's ecosystems and wildlife.
• Picnic Areas: The park has nice spots for picnics and a small shaded amphitheater.
• Fishing: Fishing is very popular here! There's a 100 feet (30 m)-long fishing pier that goes into the river. You can also fish from the shore. Common fish caught include largemouth bass, striped bass, white catfish, bluegill, sunfish, and sturgeon. Remember, if you're 16 or older, you need a California fishing license.
• Boating: You can launch your kayaks and canoes from the beach.
• Trails: Big Break is the end point for the Big Break Regional Trail and the Marsh Creek Regional Trail. These are great for walking or biking.
• Visitor Center Programs: The Visitor Center often has craft activities and other fun programs every weekend.

Getting There and Accessibility

The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset. The Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM.

You can find the park at 69 Big Break Road in Oakley. There's no fee to park or to enter the park. Most areas of the park are easy to get around, even with a wheelchair.

Dogs are welcome at the park, but they are not allowed in the marsh and wetland areas. This helps protect the sensitive habitats and wildlife.