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Renting This Park
You can reserve a facility and/or sports field at this park. Learn how to rent a picnic area, community center, wedding area, or other facility. Learn how to reserve a time slot at a sports field or court.
James Kenney Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including ball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a gym, as well as tot and school-age play areas.
Features
- Clubhouse
- Gym
- Lawn
- Picnic Area
- Restroom
- School-age Play Area
- Tot Play Area
- Wheelchair Accessible
Sports Fields
- Basketball Court
- Soccer Field
- Softball Field
- Tennis Court
- Volleyball Court
The land for James Kenney Park was purchased by the City of Berkeley in 1917 for $8,000, and supplemented by a lot the City already owned. The park was named after Berkeley’s first fire chief, who was appointed in 1904 and served until his death in 1916. In 1977, the community approved plans to renovate the park areas and to install a picnic facility. These improvements were funded by Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), Roberti-Z’berg funds, and Measure Y monies from a bond measure passed in 1974 to fund additional park development to meet the recreational needs of Berkeley’s citizens. Park users celebrated completion of these improvements at an open house held March 31, 1979. In 1983–1984, additional renovations of the park were undertaken with monies from an Urban Park and Recreation Recovery (UPARR) rehabilitation grant. Construction for the most recent James Kenney Park, Picnic, and Play Area Renovation Project was completed on December 2020. Improvements included a new 2-5 play area, 5-12 play area and picnic area.