Temescal Regional Recreational Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Temescal Regional Recreational Area |
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Lake Temescal and Beach House in Temescal Regional Recreation Area. Image date September 17, 2006
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| Nearest city | Oakland, California |
| Area | 48 acres (19 ha) |
| Created | 1936 |
| Operated by | East Bay Regional Park District |
The Temescal Regional Recreation Area (TRRA) is a fun park located in northeastern Oakland, California. It's nestled in the Berkeley Hills and covers about 48 acres (19 hectares). This park is a great spot for outdoor activities and is managed by the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD).
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Discover Lake Temescal
Lake Temescal is the main attraction at the park. It's a beautiful lake where you can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating. The park also has trails for hiking, nice picnic spots, and areas with lots of trees. It's a fantastic place for bird watching too!
How Lake Temescal Was Made
Lake Temescal was created a long time ago, in 1869. A man named Anthony Chabot built it to supply drinking water to the city of Oakland. He used a special method to blast rocks and dirt from the hills. This material was then used to build a large earthen dam across Temescal Creek.
Chabot's company, the Contra Costa Water Company, pumped water from this new reservoir to Oakland. By 1875, Oakland had grown a lot. Lake Temescal became too small to be the city's main water source. So, Chabot's company built a much bigger reservoir, which is now called Lake Chabot. Lake Temescal then became a backup water source.
A Park for Everyone
Lake Temescal was one of the very first parks opened to the public by the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD). This happened in 1936. Since then, it has been a popular place for families and friends to gather and enjoy nature.
The Historic Beach House
In 1940, a special building called the Beach House was built overlooking Lake Temescal. Workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped construct this impressive two-level building. Today, the Beach House can be rented for different events. It's a great place for group meetings, parties, or dinners right by the lake.
