Before The Streetlights Come On

It all started with a simple question to the “If you remember Newark CA before 1970 you belong here” Facebook group: “What did kids and adults do for outdoor recreation in Newark before 1970?” The discussion quickly narrowed in on the happy times of youth adventure and outdoor play.

There was a time when kids played sports in Newark’s open spaces and in the streets. They did so spontaneously and unsupervised. School and park open spaces still exist, but today’s kids participate in those sports in a structured fashion—with parents in tow.

Some childhood activities are extinct: jackrabbit shooting, dirt biking on Alameda Creek, and fishing/boating at Calaveras Reservoir. Dumbarton Pier fishing is alive and well (and Lakeshore Park), though some argue that the type of catch pales in comparison. The tide pools are marvelous. But, not as many kids are enjoying these places as one would expect for our population size.

So what accounts for the underutilization of our gems? I believe parents don’t feel safe allowing their kids to roam the streets due to traffic dangers and distracted drivers (SOLUTION = Bike Park). iPads and video games, on the other hand, keep kids occupied, indoors, and “safe.”

Salt marshes provided lots of mountain biking and canoeing recreation, and still do today. But the numbers could use a bump. At present, there is no crosswalk at Thornton, and an Ardenwood route requires that the kid navigate highway on/off ramps.

Some kids biked from Newark to Fremont’s Washington High School to swim. Today, Newark’s Silliman Center Aquatic Park would put a smile on any kid’s face. But, you won’t catch many kids biking (or walking) down Cherry or Mowry to go swimming. The lucky ones get rides, and the others go without.

The extinct activity that pains me the most is the loss of “sidewalk” biking and front yard playing—it’s a ghost town on our sidewalks. What a tragedy!

So, what are the solutions?

(1) Neighborhood parks. We need to invest in around-the-corner parks—parks that youth can access on foot.

(2) Bike Skills. Kids need a means of acquiring bike skills safely. A bike park is the solution.

(3) Modern parks. We need complete parks—imaginative neighborhood parks that have a diverse set of activities for both kids and adults.

(4) Free-range parenting. We need parents to loosen the reins a bit, gradually embracing a free-range kid; and

(5) Complete streets. We need complete streets—streets that provide safe access to and from parks.

Many residents attend city council meetings to advocate for these solutions. I’ll ask for around-the-corner parks—to include a Newark skatepark and a Newark dog park. Won’t you advocate for complete streets and a bike park?

Meanwhile, I’m loosening the reins for my 4 ½- year old. This week we’ll bike to the Community Center Park from home. I’ll ride “sag”, allowing him a lead of one full block. At the fork I’ll let him take the paved park path without me, waving to him as he disappears behind the Community Center building. We’ll regroup at the tennis court trees. He’ll climb one those trees. I will not spot him. I will not help him up. I especially won’t help him down. This outing will remind me of Hobo Jungle—the Rosemont eucalyptus grove where so many kids before him climbed trees and built forts. Those were goods times.

Angela Akridge
Newark Resident & Volunteer at Newark Parks Foundation
Email: info@newarkparks.org
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Website: https://www.newarkparks.org