WALKS

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Keeler Path

This is a note by Jay Cross, 28 January 2000.

Keeler Path was created when the block-long section of Keeler Street between Poppy Lane and Sterling slid down the hillside many years ago. The path zigzags through ivy, blackberries, bamboo, and eucalyptus, a little wilderness hidden from view. In the early-nineties, a local architect organized neighbors to protest the fire department's decision to clear the path. He rallied the crowd, decrying the fire department's heavy-handed approach and predicting that loud motorcycles would begin using the path as a short-cut. The day before the second neighborhood meeting, notices appeared on telephone poles accusing the assistant fire chief of going back on his word and suggesting that Big Brother was going to clear-cut the path no matter what the neighbors felt.Betty Olds and the Fire Chief showed up at the next meeting. The notices on the phone poles hadn't told the entire story. The crowd sided with the BFD, and a few months later, the northern section of the path was widened and a significant amount of poison oak was eradicated.

The hillside is home to a number of natural springs. Add poor drainage and in the rainy season the northern portion of Keeler Path became treacherously muddy.

South entrance to Keeler is directly behind this sign

Heading North, the first section of the path is narrow

Troop 19 to the rescueLife Scout Warren Talbot needed to perform a civic project to complete the requirements for his Eagle Scout Award. He led a team of Scouts in upgrading the path early this December.Parking is easiest at the north end, alongside Remillard Park. The small park, located at the intersection of Poppy Lane and Keeler Avenue, features a small playground with swings and a slide; a playing field used for frizzbie, badminton, and boules; and Remillard Rock, an impressive chunk of stone whose peak rewards adventurous climbers with a great view of the bay.

If you're looking for a slightly longer walk, you might start at Cragmont Park, walk a few blocks south down Regal and along Cragmont, and climb Sterling Path. Keeler Path starts diagnally across the street. Walk Keeler Path to Remillard Park, then wander half a block down Poppy Lane and walk down Pinnacle Path back to Regal, returning to Cragmont Park.

Scouts at work on Keeler Path drainage.
Midway along Keeler Path, woodchips pave the way
Stepping stones, woodchips
New steps at North end of Keeler Path
New drainage system
Scout Warren Talbot & Scoutmaster Paul Maheu
Remillard rock is a favorite practice area for weekend rock climbersCragmont Park offers great vistas of Cal, Oakland, Solano Avenue, the Golden Gate, and a house that resembles an ancient monastery. Brave souls sometimes sunbathe on the lawn. There's a basketball hoop at one end and picnic tables at the other. Did you notice the funky little cottage-like building on the way in? That's a public restroom.