Christie Park is tucked just behind Public Market Emeryville, and you’re going to love it. The park is ocean-themed with a playhouse whale, a kelp climbing structure, surfboards for sitting and surfing, and a snail slide – it’s all super cute and well-designed. The ground is soft and forgiving, and it’s surrounded by plush grass for relaxing – but not fenced! It’s situated just behind Emeryville’s Public Market, which makes it a perfect place to stop after a quick coffee, a pizza lunch, or a sushi dinner.
If you walk a few blocks, you can split a giant cookie at Cookie Plug or any number of activities at Bay Street.
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Location: 6200 Christie Ave, Emeryville
Unique Features of Playground: Huge interactive whale play structure; ocean theme complete with surfboard benches and kelp climbing feature; dog park adjacent; grassy hills for running around; looped walkway for scooting or balance bikes.
Swings:Â Nope.
Fenced in? Not really, and it’s difficult to see your child if you’re on the opposite side of the whale.
Surfaces: Cushy rubber mat surface all around the play area; natural grass in the field.
Bathroom: No, but you can easily walk two minutes to the Public Market where they have nice and clean public restrooms.
Unique Features of the Park Overall:Â Fun ocean theme and super cool whale structure inspire imaginative play.Â
Lunch tables & seating: Several benches scattered throughout and several un-shaded lunch tables.
Parking:Â Free parking along Christie Avenue. Or park at the large Public Market lot, grab a coffee or lunch, and walk on over to the park.
Shade: Not really.
Pros: Unique structure that’ll captivate the imagination; close proximity to Public Market; a great area to scoot for little kids.
Cons: Not fenced in; difficult to see children on the other side of the whale; no swings; no shade.
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