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Community Corner

Shadow Cliffs Awaits You for Summer Fun

This popular recreation area is full of activities the whole family can enjoy, even canine members.

Now that summer has arrived with a record-breaking bang, you may be re-experiencing that familiar old sweaty discomfort that sometimes comes with along with it.

Even if you spent the first day of summer on Tuesday holed up in a dark, air-conditioned room to get away from Castro Valley's high of 93 degrees, you know you can't stay there all summer.

Nor would you want to, considering nearby places like Shadow Cliffs, a popular recreation area in Pleasanton, boasts a lake, several ponds and twisting waterslides full of refreshing water that make the heat bearable and fun. Adults, kids and dogs will all find a friendly spot to splash around in at Shadow Cliffs.

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To get there, take the Santa Rita Road exit off Interstate 580 and drive south. Make a left onto Valley Avenue and then a right onto Stanley Boulevard. The park entrance is on the right at the first stoplight.

The main hangout is the swimming beach on Shadow Cliffs Lake. This is where you can lay out a towel, plant an umbrella and just relax. Here you can enjoy the sun and warm sand, and take a dip when you need to cool off.

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Kids will love digging, erecting castles and playing in the shallow water. Parents can be at ease knowing that lifeguards are on duty during the summer swimming months.

A network of hiking trails borders part of the lake and extends into a section of the park that encompasses several ponds. The trails here are nicely shaded and the habitat is home to a diverse collection of ducks and other birds.

Although swimming and boating are not permitted in these ponds, dogs often play fetch on banks that taper off gradually. A few doggy paddles will keep your canine buddy comfortably cool in the heat.

Most popular among kids are the privately owned Rapids Waterslides across from the swimming beach. A network of half-pipe slides weaves down a mountainside, carrying torrents of water full of slippery mats and their riders.

I remember eagerly awaiting the opportunity to ride those slides every summer when I was growing up. Torpedoing down the man-made rapids was like a sport.

I would scrutinize the pile of blue riding mats until I found one well broken in and extra smooth. Then I would get yelled at by park workers as I performed spins and tried to surf on my knees. Remember, kids: Sit cross-legged, eyes forward at all times.

Check hours and prices online.

Shadow Cliffs provides other options that make summer enjoyable, too, including picnicking, fishing and boating.

At a Glance:

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area

Address: 2500 Stanley Blvd., Pleasanton.

Hours: Until Labor Day, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Best time to visit: Any day hot enough for a swim is optimal.                                               

Cost: Parking fees: $6 per vehicle, $5 per trailered vehicle.                         

Dog fees: $2 per dog. Guide/service dogs free                  

Waterslide fees: See website.                                                                              

Great for: Hiking, swimming, fishing, dog walking, dog swimming, boating, picnicking

Could be better if: You come prepared and well-provisioned.

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