Newark's Greenbelt

Baine Avenue Trail is a 1 ½-mile (roundtrip) unpaved flat, dirt path parallel to Union Pacific Railroad track, starting from Newark’s Civic Center Park heading east. No, this isn’t a Rails-to-Trails Conservancy trail: the rail is active!

The trail is conducive to daytime biking, walking, and running, though I’m not sure if these activities are officially sanctioned by the City of Newark on this trail. This greenbelt is convenient for dog walkers and families with young children. Strollers might be possible on some stretches, but baby-wearing is the way to go.

This is a “road less traveled,” but it’s well worth the visit. For the time being, you’ll need to look passed the litter. A small group of us are trying to clean up the trail; give us more time, or join in and help.

You’ll see dense litter on some sections of the trail. Ignore it. Look at the colorful leaves and quaint homes with lovely front yards instead. You’ll see a mattress and a loveseat. Ignore it! Look at beautiful Mission Peak and Fremont’s East Bay hills instead. You’ll occasionally meet a homeless person, just like you might on the Alameda Creek Trail; unless he’s bothering you, don’t worry about him—take in the tranquility instead! The landscapes will feed your soul, I promise.

Newark is a railroad town, and there’s something nostalgic about hiking with tracks in the distance. I even find the industrial buildings to the south to be attractive, reminding us that high-tech isn’t the only industry in the Bay Area.

You might even get a chuckle at the dirt bike and ATV tracks as you contemplate the creative youngsters that temporarily escaped the shackles of videos games, iPads, and smart phones. Way to go, kids!

Yes, this trail parallels an active rail line, but I feel completely comfortable on the trail with my 4-year old son. There’s plenty of distance between the trail and the tracks. Even the narrow, but short, stretch of trail that continues under the Newark Blvd underpass seems harmless; however, I advise waiting before the underpass if a train is approaching because a train whistle can be startling. Much of the well-defined trail has bordering shrubs and trees—inanimate docents—guiding you much of the way.

Apartment complexes line this trail, and these complexes have many kids. These kids know the dangers of trains and seem to adhere to basic commonsense (or their parent’s rules). Moreover, Baine Avenue Trail appears to be a route that some kids take to Louis Milani Elementary School. I wonder if this route is a Safe Routes To School route? (I’ll take it over streets any day of the week!), though most of the kids I observed were accompanied by adults.

Parking is no problem. You have a few starting points to choose from:

• Baine Avenue @ Civic Center Park (Recommended) – Bike the paved path to the rear of the park. Locate the dirt path that intersects Baine Avenue Trail. Head east on the trail, toward the hills. You’ll get to experience the best sections of the trail without having to see a single car.

• Birch Street – Great option if you don’t have a lot of time and want to hike/bike a shorter stretch (1 mile roundtrip). This residential area has plenty of parking.

• Magnolia Street (Runners/Walkers/Adults Only) – Start at Magnolia Street for an extra ½ mile roundtrip. You will need to cross busy Cherry Street. Not recommended for kids.

• Cedar Blvd/St. Isabel Avenue – Park on Cedar Blvd west to avoid having to cross busy Cedar Blvd. Head west on the trail. Although you don’t get a view of the hills in this direction, there are cheap eats (pancakes at My Café or tacos at Artega’s or Taqueria Los Portales) a few blocks away, and is a lovely way to start or end your excursion.

In a nutshell, Baine Avenue Trail is a gem—it simply needs a bit of polishing. But, don’t take my word for it—judge for yourself.

Angela Akridge
Newark Parks Foundation
www.newarkparks.org
info@newarkparks.org