Concord California Provides New Meaning to Life Outdoors
Spending an afternoon in the park in Concord California can mean so much more than tossing around a Frisbee or grabbing a cooler packed for a picnic, although you can do that too.
There are farmers markets, outdoor concerts and, of course, playgrounds.
Of course there is always Mount Diablo Mountain for serious hikers needing a serious test of their abilities.
There is a lot of interest in the parks and recreation here, says Parks Manager John Rego. People get involved in different aspects of the park, from soccer and tennis to hiking.
Longtime resident John Mercurio loves to spend most of his weekends outdoors, which is one of the reasons he moved back to Concord after trying to live elsewhere. John can routeinly be found on the many playgrounds with his children, hiking and even mountain biking.
But it is not just the activity he loves, but the break from congestion and traffic the open spaces provide.
When you drive through an open area, I like to think it gives you a break from the chaotic nature of things, he says. The city of Concord does a great job of maintaining the parks. The grass is green and everything looks pretty. You can be proud to go there.
It is the citys commitment to the upkeep of the parks that makes them such a draw to residents, new and old.
Parks add to the quality of life and are valued by business owners planning to locate in Concord, says Laura Hoffmeister, redevelopment agency chair and council member for the city of Concord. They add to the quality of life for our residents. They provide children and families with a place to go to enjoy the outdoors. They provide a green oasis in the midst of our built-out community.
There are 27 public parks and over 1,000 acres of open space with an additional 3,000 acres of developed parkland for residents of Concord to utilize every week of the year.
Here are just a few spots vying for your outdoor attention.
Todos Santos Plaza
Host to the year round farmers market, this community gathering place was one of the original blocks laid out for the city of Concord more than 125 years ago. The granite stage holds concerts during the summer and a child play area is a destination for families grabbing some sun during the day. It is a very rare facility for a downtown to have, Rego says. Over 100,000 people spend time at this plaza annually.
Newhall Community Park
The 126 acres of Newhall Community Park include the Paw Patch, a place for the four legged family members to romp and roam free of a leash. It is a big ticket attraction, says Steve Voorhies, senior recreation program manager. The 2-acre dog park was built in 2001.
Hillcrest Park
The parks play area, built in 2007, accommodates children of all abilities. It is a universally acceptable playground that has received many awards, Voorhies says. It has musical instruments and large decking areas for kids in wheelchairs, as well as kids who are fully mobile. it is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind playground.
MOUNT Diablo
Mount Diablo provides thousands of acres for serious weekend hikers and bikers. Located in Clayton, hikers can access the park through trails that lead out of Concord. And if you make it to the summit on a clear day, you can see for more than 200 miles.
Annually, thousands of families relocate to cities like Concord California. Should you need relocation information, please visit Livability online.