Click on a question below to jump to the answer:
- Is the Regional Parks Foundation Membership Program also referred to as an Annual Pass or Parking Permit?
- When does my Membership start and when can I begin using it?
- When can I expect my permanent Membership materials to arrive once I purchase it?
- What do I do if I haven’t received my Membership materials within 14 to 18 business days?
- What is the definition of a Family for a Family Membership?
- I can’t always accompany my child to the Regional Parks. Is it okay to put my child’s name as one of the Membership cardholders?
- Is the purchase of a Membership a Charitable Gift?
- What do I do if I lose one or more of my Membership card(s) or Parking Placard(s)?
- If I renew early, will I lose out on a full year of Membership benefits?
- If I have four people in my car, do I have to pay for all four people when I go to a park?
- What does “day-use parking” mean?
- My family and I have not been able to swim at my favorite park because the swim facility if closed for repairs. Can I get an extension or refund?
- How do I take advantage of the camping discount? Are there any specific rules that I need to be aware of?
- If I make camping reservations, will my Membership Cards cover the second car going into the campsite?
- Can I use the Membership benefits at the Lafayette Reservoir, Mount Diablo, or San Pablo Dam?
- Can I use my Membership to the Reciprocal Parks for other park agencies? Are there reciprocal benefits?
- I have not been able to launch my boat or fish because of low water levels at my favorite park. Can I get an extension of refund on my Angler membership?
- Do my membership benefits cover swim fees for my children’s friends at park swim facilities?
1. Is the Regional Parks Foundation Membership Program also referred to as an Annual Pass or Parking Permit?
Yes, many people refer to the Regional Parks Foundation Membership as simply an Annual Pass or Parking Permit. However, it is much more than that. Our Membership Program offers valuable benefits for park lovers, and it also raises vital funds to support our broader mission: to provide universal access, environmental stewardship, educational and recreational programs and the acquisition of parklands across East Bay parks.
2. When does my Membership start and when can I begin using it?
Whether you join or renew online, onsite at select parks, or by phone or mail, you will be issued a Temporary Membership Receipt, which you can start using immediately.
If you would like to request a Temporary Membership Receipt, feel free to reach out to us at membership@ebparks.org or call us at (510) 544.2220.
3. When can I expect my permanent Membership materials to arrive once I purchase it?
Once Membership applications are received by the Foundation, you can expect to receive your permanent Membership materials with 14-18 business days. Please allow an additional week if you join or renew during the year-end holidays.
4. What do I do if I haven’t received my Membership materials within 14 to 18 business days?
You can contact us by email at membership@ebparks.org or give us a call at (510) 544-2220. To help assist you, please include your full name, mailing address, and a daytime phone number.
5. What is the definition of a Family for a Family Membership?
For the purpose of a Family Membership, a “family” is defined as up to two named cardholders (ages 16 and older) and children ages 1-17 residing in the same household.
Membership is designed for personal use only and is not intended for any commercial, institutional, or professional purposes (such as childcare centers, daycares, schools, or businesses).
6. I can’t always accompany my child to the Regional Parks. Is it okay to put my child’s name as one of the Membership cardholders?
If your child is 16 years of age or older and has a valid photo ID, they may be listed as the second named cardholder on your Family Membership. Children under the age of 16 are not eligible to be named as a cardholder. In these cases, they must be accompanied by a named adult cardholder in order to use the membership benefits – such as admission to swimming facilities or admission to Ardenwood Historic Farm).
7. Is the purchase of a Membership a Charitable Gift?
Yes, your membership contribution is 100% tax-deductible, with a few exceptions.
Please note that the fishing and boat launch benefits included in the Angler Membership, as well as memberships purchased through REI, are not tax-deductible.
The Regional Parks Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our Tax ID number is 23-7011877.
8. What do I do if I lose one or more of my Membership card(s) or Parking Placard(s)?
If your membership card(s) or parking placard(s) has been lost, please contact us. Please note that there is a $10 replacement fee for each membership card or parking placard. Once we receive your request and payment, we will promptly issue your replacement materials.
9. If I renew early, will I lose out on a full year of Membership benefits?
No, when you renew early, your current Membership is extended by a full 12 months. For example, if your Membership expires on December 31, 2025, and you renew on November 7, 2025, your new expiration date will still be December 31, 2026. This ensures you always receive the full 12 months of membership that you have paid for.
10. If I have four people in my car, do I have to pay for all four people when I go to a park?
Parking is charged per vehicle, not per person, and Ardenwood Historic Farm is the only Regional Park that charges an entrance fee. As a Member, your entrance fee is waived on regular (non-event) days only. Please note: anyone in your party who is not covered under your Membership will need to pay the applicable entry fee.
On regular visits, please be sure to bring your Membership card along with a valid photo ID for entry.
11. What does “day-use parking” mean?
A day-use parking fee covers parking your vehicle in a Regional Park parking lot for one business day, during regular operating hours. Vehicles must be removed from the lot by the end of the same day the fee is paid. Please note: day-use parking placards are not valid in overnight camping areas.
12. My family and I have not been able to swim at my favorite park because the swim facility if closed for repairs. Can I get an extension or refund?
No, Memberships are non-refundable. Refunds or extensions will not be issued due to environmental conditions or park infrastructure projects (such as repairs or improvements). The East Bay Regional Park District includes 73 parks across Alameda and Contra Costa counties, with swimming available at 11 of these locations.
13. How do I take advantage of the camping discount? Are there any specific rules that I need to be aware of?
To receive your Member discount on camping reservations, you must call the East Bay Regional Park District's Reservations Department at (888) 327-2757, option 2.
Be sure to mention that you are a current Member when booking. Discounts can be applied even without an advance reservation, as long as space is available. They may also be used for two reservations per call, provided there is at least a two-day gap between each. There is a 30-day limit per year for camping.
14. If I make camping reservations, will my Membership Cards cover the second car going into the campsite?
No, your Membership only covers day-use parking and does not apply to overnight parking for camping. Your camping reservation includes the overnight parking fee for one vehicle. However, an additional fee will apply for a second vehicle.
15. Can I use the Membership benefits at the Lafayette Reservoir, Mount Diablo, or San Pablo Dam?
No, these places are not part of the East Bay Regional Park District. You can use your Membership benefits only at parks in the East Bay Regional Park District.
16. Can I use my Membership to the Reciprocal Parks for other park agencies? Are there reciprocal benefits?
No, we do not have a reciprocal program with any other park agency.
17. I have not been able to launch my boat or fish because of low water levels at my favorite park. Can I get an extension of refund on my Angler membership?
No, Memberships are non-refundable. Refunds or extensions will not be issued due to environmental conditions or park infrastructure projects (such as repairs or improvements). The East Bay Regional Park District includes 73 parks across Alameda and Contra Costa counties, with fishing available at 15 of these locations.
18. Do my membership benefits cover swim fees for my children’s friends at park swim facilities?
No, membership benefits for swimming only cover the individual or family members named on the membership cards and the children living in the same household.