John Hinkel Park

John Hinkel Park is an urban green space in North Berkeley's hills with stone-built pathways, terraced levels, and an amphitheater structure. The grounds feature several distinct areas for picnicking, walking, and gathering, each positioned at different elevations across the wooded hillside.

The land was donated to Berkeley in 1919 to honor the Boy Scouts of America's contributions during World War I. During the 1930s, the stone amphitheater was constructed, which shaped the park into its present form and provided employment during that era.

The stone amphitheater reflects how this hillside space became a gathering place for performing arts and community events over the decades. Locals continue to use the park as a venue for outdoor activities and social gatherings that connect neighbors.

The park is open daily and offers picnic tables, a playground, walking trails, and an outdoor performance area for visitors to enjoy. Bring comfortable walking shoes since the pathways cross different elevation levels and involve some uphill sections.

The stone amphitheater was built using funding from an emergency work program during the Great Depression, creating jobs for local workers when employment was scarce. This construction method tied the park's development directly to that challenging period in American history.

Location: Alameda County

GPS coordinates: 37.89528,-122.27333

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:16