Exciting news is around the corner for Fremont outdoor enthusiasts. In mid-June, the city will cut the ribbon on new dog runs and pickleball courts at Vallejo Mill Park (located off Niles Canyon Road).
While the exact timing of the grand opening is being kept quiet (due to lack of parking), the long-term impact of this park will be felt for generations.
Beyond the immediate fun for our four-legged friends and pickleball players, this park represents a milestone for our regional open spaces. Vallejo Mill Park is a vital hub for the Bay Ridge Trail, eventually linking Garin Regional Park to the north with Vargas Plateau and Mission Peak to the south. Niles Canyon has always been a historic walking and equestrian gateway connecting the South Bay to Sunol and the Tri-Valley, and this project beautifully honors that legacy.
However, for this park to truly serve the public, true accessibility is non-negotiable. A recent scientific survey sponsored by Fremont’s Community Services Department highlighted that parking remains a top concern for residents and park visitors alike.
While Vallejo Mill Park features on-site parking and additional spaces across Old Canyon Road, our city staff, city council and the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) must ensure we don’t choke off access. Artificial parking restrictions that limit trail access create a hostile environment for the very residents and visitors these spaces were built to welcome.
Our community demands safe, open and equitable access to nature. Let’s ensure this park opens to a vibrant, active community. It’s time to get your dogs in shape, dust off your pickleball rackets and get ready to reclaim our public spaces.
William Yragui
Co-founder, Mission Peak Conservancy
