Shadow Cliffs Welcomes Interpretative Pavilion

PLEASANTON, CA — The East Bay Regional Park District celebrated the opening of a 1,000-square-foot outdoor interpretative pavilion at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area. The new pavilion will serve as an outdoor visitor center informing guests about the 116 acres of wilderness before them. It includes educational exhibits highlighting the natural and cultural history of the park, local wildlife, park maps, and information about recreational activities.

“Shadow Cliffs’ nature area is a hidden gem in the Tri-Valley,” Park District Board Director Ayn Wieskamp said in a statement. “The new interpretive pavilion will help inform and connect visitors to the little-known nature area and all of the recreational opportunities available there, including trails for hiking, biking, and nature watching.”

The nature pavilion is an important new facility that helps advance the Park District’s mission of providing healthy recreational opportunities and environmental education,” General Manager Sabrina Landreth said in a statement. “We are proud to provide yet another improvement and enhanced experience for the community.”

The pavilion was made possible by state and nonprofit funding, and individual donations, including support from California State Parks, a lead gift of $200,000 from Nancy and Gary Harrington of Pleasanton, the Regional Parks Foundation, and a grant from the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation.

“Shadow Cliffs is a small regional park, but overflowing opportunities to experience and learn about nature,” said Gary Harrington. “As former educators, Nancy and I understand the value of hands-on learning and saw an outdoor pavilion as a way to encourage visitors to explore nature in the park and help create a place where school-age children could learn about nature, wildlife, and the environment.”

The pavilion will be used as a gathering spot for weekend interpretive programs starting January 2023 and school programs in fall 2023.