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Alvarado Park in the winter

Gazebo field

Cupules

Fireplace

Retaining wall

Retaining wall drainage

Two tree sculptures

From the gazebo

A recently installed placard offers a brief history of this area, which was well used by the Native Americans in pre-Columbian times. At the turn of the last century the land was privately-owned, then purchased by the City of Richmond in the 1920s. It is now owned by the East Bay Regional Park District.

Photographs by Nick Despota, 2004

Cupules made by Native Americans

Grinding these cup-shaped depressions into rock may have been part of a ritualistic practice to enhance fertility or bring rain (seems to be working). They average about 3 inches across.

Sphynx-head fireplace

This and other fireplaces in the park were built in the 1930s. Close-up.

Sphynx-head fireplace, close-up

Retaining wall adjoining creek

Retaining wall with drainage

Tree sculpting technique: | 1 | 2 |

Carving into living trees is a form of vandalism. The East Bay Park District does not endorse this kind of activity and may prosecute those who do it.

Tree sculpting technique: | 1 | 2 |

In contrast to the previous technique, this method of revealing hidden forms is non-destructive. But there is one disadvantage: seeing it requires the type of viewing device you are now using.