On the Carquinez Strait at the foot of downtown Martinez, Ted and Kathy Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline is two parks in one. The East Bay Regional Park District runs the quiet western side, with lawns, ponds, creeks and marsh trails. The City of Martinez runs the eastern side, with ball fields and bocce courts.

Who the Radkes were

The park district board renamed the shoreline on Dec. 6, 2016. Ted Radke served on the board from 1978 to 2014 and helped protect the Martinez waterfront. Kathy Radke worked to save Mt. Wanda from development and to keep the Franklin Hills as open space. Together they co-founded the Contra Costa Ecology Action Education Institute. Wikipedia says Ted Radke was the longest-serving member of the board.

What to do

  • Walk the marsh: Nearly three miles of trail wind through the marsh and along the shore, including the Pickleweed Trail. The San Francisco Bay Trail passes through the park. Wikipedia notes that the remains of the Forester, a schooner built in 1900, lie near the shore.
  • Bocce: The park district says bocce is a Martinez tradition from the town's mostly Sicilian early days. The courts have wooden sides and crushed oyster shell surfaces. The first Northern California Open Bocce Ball Championships were held here in 1979.
  • Baseball: The four-diamond complex is named for Martinez native Joe DiMaggio.
  • Fishing: The strait has striped bass, sturgeon, shark, some flounder and catfish. A state license is required for anglers 16 and older, but no park district permit is needed.
  • Horse arena: Youth riding competitions are held here from May to September.

Before you go

  • The main lawn and picnic area are at 300 N. Court St., and the Grangers' Wharf staging area is at 101 Berrellesa St. From Highway 4, exit at Alhambra Avenue. From I-680, exit at Marina Vista.
  • Winter hours, November through February, are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • The park district has a caution advisory posted for blue-green algae, so keep dogs and kids out of the water.
  • Dogs are not allowed in the marsh, the duck pond area or other interior areas. In parking areas they must be on a leash no longer than six feet.
  • The picnic sites near the playground are being replaced with new concrete tables in phases.