 
Castro Valley is located in the Bay Area of California. Nestled in a quiet valley surrounded by tree covered rolling hills, Castro Valley residents, businesses, and visitors enjoy a rural atmosphere at the hub of California's cultural, economical and recreational heartland. Castro Valley boasts such natural amenities as an extensively developed park system, swimming lagoon, 315 acre lake, and a beautiful 18 hole golf course. About the history of Castro Valley: As many as 30 or 40 Ohlone native villages once surrounded the area. In 1797 Missionaries arrived and in 1838, Don Castro of the Mexican military acquired Rancho San Lorenzo. The Castro Valley area was part of this ranch. In 1864, Castro lost the land to gambling and other debts. By 1852, the Castro Valley area became populated by 49er settlers. By 1920, Castro Valley was a full blown town with roughly 370 families living off chicken farming. Schools:
Schools are top notch and award winning. In Castro Valley, elementary schools run from K-5th grade, middle school/junior high from 6th-8th and high school 9th-12th.
Lake Chabot, 17930 Lake Chabot Road PARKING FEE $4 per vehicle Lake Chabot is stocked with trout and catfish. There are also bass, crappie, and other fish. A popular event is the annual spring fishing derby. The several fishing piers include one with access for the disabled, and there is a wheelchair ramp from the parking lot to the marina. Enjoy scenic walks on the 280-acre Fairmont Ridge. Services include rental of canoes and boats (electric, paddle boats, or oars), a coffee shop, picnicking, grassy play area, horseshoe pits, hiking, bicycling, jogging, and running trails, and seasonal lake tours aboard the Chabot Queen.
Bay Trees Community Park, 19855 Cull Canyon Road 510-881-6700 There are six tennis courts, picnic facilities, barbecue, parking, and restrooms.
Castro Valley Community Center & Park, 18988 Lake Chabot Road 510-881-6700 There are picnic facilities, barbecue, play area, parking, tennis courts, basketball court, soccer field, horseshoe courts, community center, snack bar, restrooms, and open area.
Castro Valley Swim Center, Redwood Road and Mabel Avenue Swim classes are offered June through August. |