Piedmont in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Piedmont Park History Trail
A Special Gift for Piedmont’s 100th Anniversary
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 7, 2014
1. Piedmont Park History Trail Marker
Captions: (1) Last Original Park Bench; (2) Piedmont Springs Hotel; (3) Clubhouse; (4) Teahouse; (5) Art Gallery; (6) The Cascade; (7) Springs Grotto; (8) Amphitheater; (9) The Maze.
In 1867 the pink mineral springs which oozed from Bushy Dell Canyon began to attract visitors to Piedmont Park and the surrounding community. Generation after generation the park has changed to reflect the community that surrounds it, creating layers of history.
As the City of Piedmont neared its 100th birthday, a public/private partnership was developed to preserve the history of Piedmont Park through a two-part project. First the historic sulfur springs grotto which had fallen into disrepair was restored. Designer Mark Feldkamp save the remnants of the grotto built by Frank C. Havens in the 1890s and created a permanent plaza seating area which joins the grotto to a nearby waterfall and fern garden.
The second phase of the project is a self-guided walking tour through the park. Illustrated signs tell stories about the park’s history through vintage photographs, antique postcards, original documents and quotations from those who visited the park over the years.
Erected by Piedmont Beautification Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.
Location. 37° 49.481′ N, 122° 13.93′ W. Marker is
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. World War I Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Honor Roll (a few steps from this marker); Piedmont Springs Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Faux Bois Benches (within shouting distance of this marker); Piedmont Springs Clubhouse & Cafe (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Piedmont Art Gallery (about 600 feet away); The Japanese Teahouse (about 700 feet away); The Cascade (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Piedmont.
More about this marker. This marker is located near the Veteran's building in the City Hall complex.
Regarding Piedmont Park History Trail.
[Funding information:]
This project was made possible by
Nancy F. McEnroe, Mayor • Abe Friedman, Vice Mayor • Dean Barbieri • John Chiang • Garrett Keating
Piedmont Beautification Foundation
Piedmont Garden Club
Piedmont Historical Society
S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation
Also see . . .
1. Historic Piedmont Park. Oakland Wiki entry:
... when I came across all
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, March 7, 2014
2. Piedmont Park History Trail Marker
2. History of Piedmont, California. Wikipedia entry:
In 1870, Walter Blair bought over 800 acres (3.2 km²) of land in the foothills of East Bay. Where the spring was located he built the Piedmont Springs Hotel, of 20 bedrooms and five dining rooms. The water of the spring was thought to have curative powers. Wealthy San Franciscans retired to the hotel during trips to "the country." (Submitted on March 14, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 14, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 615 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 14, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
