Concord California Gives New Meaning to the Great Outdoors
Wasting away a day in a park in Concord California offers more than a picnic lunch or walk in the park, 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. You can find him hiking, mountain biking or even playing in one of the many playgrounds with his two children.
It’s not just the activity Concord provides, it is also the freedom from traffic and the openness the city offers.
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.
The city of Concord’s commitment to the upkeep of the parks and other usable public areas that attract residents both old and new.
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.
And with 27 parks, more that 1,000 acres of open space and over 3,000 acres of developed parkland to choose from, residents can spend every weekend of the year enjoying a different aspect of Concord.
Here is a short list of just a few of the outdoor destinations available in Concord.
Todos Santos Plaza
Home of a year round farmer’s market, one of the oldest public gathering places in the city. The granite stage holds concerts during the summer and a child play area is a very popular spot for families with young children every 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
This park accommodates children of every age and ability in it’s playgrounds. 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.