Dimond Park & Rec Center
- Related Pages: Lions Pool in Dimond Park ... City of Oakland Summer Camps
We did a swim class through Oakland Parks and Rec at Lions Pool in Dimond Park (and there are other locations). It was $25 for residents and $30 for non-residents for 4 hour-long classes, I believe. It was mostly about getting babies comfortable in the water and was super fun! I highly recommend it. https://www.oaklandca.gov/services/register-for-swim-lessons
Feel free to message me if you have questions!
Last year I enrolled my (then) 6-year old in the Incredibles Art Camp at Dimond Rec Center (Town Camp). I think it's perfect for children under seven because it's a smaller environment than the Dimond camp for the wider age-range. They do still intersect with the other camps at the Rec Center. My daughter took home lots of art projects. She thought it was a "little boring," but my kid is super physical so I would expect that. She did still enjoy the camp for the two weeks she was there and I felt like the counselors really enjoyed being around the kids. We're going back to Dimond this year, just in the other camp this time (she's aged out of the art camp anyway).
Archived Q&A and Reviews
March 2016
RE: Oakland parks that have a lot of kids
I'm surprised you haven't found kids at Dimond - we always see many people there, though particularly in the playground by the creek/next to the pool. L.
Dimond Rec Ctr summer camp for 6 year old?
May 2012
I am just starting to research summer camps for the 1st time. My daughter is 6 years old and very physically active, energetic, and won't sit still for long periods. I have heard pretty good things about the Dimond Rec center and Montclair rec center programs. They are very affordable and convenient for me as a single parent. I am wondering if anyone has any experience with these programs either positive or negative. Specifically, what is the quality of the camp counselors? Do you think they have any training and are they fairly responsible? The Dimond rec center has the option of signing up simultaneously for swim lessons, which is very attractive. Has anyone done this? Finally, beyond these 2 programs, does anyone else have recommendations for camps that allow for a lot of outdoor time, some structured activities, but a lot of unstructured time as well. Price is not a huge consideration since I only have to cover a few weeks at the end of the summer this year. I do need a program that is either all day or offers an aftercare option. Thank you for any guidance!
My two grand daughters were at Dimond last summer for two weeks, and I am sorry to say that I cannot recommend it. They were 5 and 6 at the time. The camp supervisors often didn't know where they were when I came to pick them up. We never dared to let them go on the weekly field trips as we had very little confidence that the counselors could ensure their safety, so we just kept them home those days. Another problem is that backpacks and snack bags were literally thrown on the floor or in a barrel and their items were constantly missing. When I was there searching for my grandchildren one day, I witnessed kids physically fighting, and the adults standing nearby were doing nothing. It's really too bad this camp didn't suit us, as the setting is so beautiful and as you say they have a nice pool there, however pool time was a real free for all. I am not at all a fuss budget, if I was I would have taken them out of there after the first day, so you can take my review without a grain of salt. I can't recommend this camp for a kid your daughters age. Moving on to a safer camp this year
Curous about Dimond Rec for spring break
Jan 2011
Our kindergartner usually attends YMCA day camp on breaks but we're curious about the Oakland Parks & Rec. day camp held at Dimond Park -- specifically, for the spring break. Can you share your experiences with that camp, or any other Oakland Parks & Rec day camps? Lisa in Oakland
I think you should go for it. We've been to lots of programs at Dimond Rec Center, after school program, summer camp, sports classes. Plusses: long flexible hours, hot food cooked on site, awesome park, cool director, some great counselors, swimming in summer, nice community, good price. Minuses: Some rough kids, some immature counselors who don't handle situations with kids well and use rough language with them.
A spring break camp is a perfect amount of time to try it out and see what you think. We now go to programs at Dimond occasionally, but not for year-long after school or all summer because my child does not want to be there that long.
We have tried many other Oakland Parks and Rec camps and the atmosphere at each is different. My child really liked Sheffield Village-- very small group of kids and very relaxed, in a cozy little park. anon
Re: Picnic site for 1st birthday party (August 2003)
Hello -- Dimond Park is located between the Glen Park and Dimond neighborhoods of Oakland. There is a nice playground and a couple of areas with tables and benches for picnics. There are also public bathrooms, a swimming pool and a small community center. The Sausal Creek trailhead is just across the street from the park too. Happy Birthday to your son! Cindy
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