On Stanley Boulevard between Pleasanton and Livermore, an old gravel pit is now a lake with a sandy beach.
From quarry to park
The park district says Kaiser Industries donated the former gravel quarry, and it opened as a park in 1971. The site's assessed value of $250,000 was used to get a matching grant from the U.S. Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, and the district built a 266-acre park with an 80-acre lake. Besides the main lake, an arroyo holds a chain of smaller lakes and ponds where swimming and boating aren't allowed. In 2017, the district installed solar carports that generate 1.2 megawatts, which it says is enough to offset electricity use for almost the entire park district. Wikipedia says the park's water slides closed in 2011 and were later removed.
Right now
As of Oct. 28, 2026, the district has posted a caution advisory for blue-green algae at Shadow Cliffs. Lake Trail is closed because of terrain damage, and the lower connector from the North Beach bridge to Lake View Trail stays closed until storm damage is repaired. The district says swimming will reopen for the 2027 season.
Hours and fees
Hours are 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. through October and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November through February. Parking is $5 per vehicle. Fishing requires a $5 district daily permit, and Wikipedia says trout and catfish are planted in the lake.