Tucked away in the residential hills of Oakland’s Dimond district, just off Highway 13’s Park Boulevard exit, is one fabulous nature node known as Dimond Park. A river — well, a creek, really — runs through it, and kids can find crawdads, salamanders, lizards, and even trout when the stream is running high. Children have reported an occasional turtle sighting — probably former pets that area residents set free. Just above the creek is a small playground with swings and a climbing structure. On the slight grassy hill that flanks the kiddie park, parents can nestle up with a good book, while keeping an eye on the fun. Bigger kids will probably make their way to nearby Lions Pool or to the field where they can play soccer, football, or dodgeball. The park also has a single-hoop basketball court and picnic grounds with plenty of tables and barbecue grills, making it a perfect place for families to spend a lazy afternoon.
