Black Friday Turns Green In East Bay: #OptOutside

EAST BAY, CA — Once again, the East Bay Regional Park District is turning Black Friday “green” by making regional parks free to the public.

To encourage the public to spend quality family time in nature rather than shopping, the district is waiving all fees on Nov. 29 for parking, dogs, horses, boat launching and fishing, including entrance to Ardenwood Historic Farm.

“Exploring regional parks together is a great way to spend time with loved ones,” said East Bay Regional Park District General Manager Robert Doyle. “Spending time in nature enhances physical and mental health, and strengthens bonds and connections with friends and family.

“This is the fifth straight year the Park District has made the day after Thanksgiving free to visitors,” Doyle said.

The district’s Green Friday is part of the “#OptOutside” movement that started in 2015 when REI closed its doors on Black Friday and encouraged its employees and the public to explore the outdoors instead of shopping. Millions of people and hundreds of organizations now participate in #OptOutside each year.

“On Green Friday, Tilden Regional Park sees huge numbers of families spending quality time together,” said Tilden Regional Park Supervisor Dave Weaver. “It’s great to see so many smiling happy faces enjoying the trails, picnic sites, and Little Farm.”

The Green Friday fee waiver does not apply to state fees, including fishing licenses and watercraft inspections for invasive mussels, or district concessions such as the Tilden Merry-Go-Round and Redwood Valley Railway steam train.

To find a park or activity, visit www.ebparks.org.