BB guns are prohibited on the trails and open spaces that thousands of Walnut Creek residents use for hiking, running and cycling, the East Bay Regional Park District Police Department warned in a public safety notice posted Friday, Aug. 21.

The prohibition covers the district's entire 73-park system, including Diablo Foothills Regional Park and the Briones to Mt. Diablo Regional Trail. It is codified in Ordinance 38, Section 403.1, a standing district rule.

Why the district says it matters

The EBRPD Police Department said in its official Instagram post that BB guns can look nearly identical to real firearms, especially from a distance or during a fast-moving situation.

That resemblance makes it difficult for both the public and law enforcement officers to tell whether someone is carrying a BB gun or an actual rifle, the department said. The resulting uncertainty can quickly become dangerous for visitors, staff and responding officers.

The department asked visitors to leave BB guns and similar weapons at home when visiting any East Bay regional park.

No specific incident cited

The district did not point to a particular event or confrontation that prompted the Aug. 21 reminder. No changes to enforcement procedures or penalties were announced alongside the post.

What trail users need to know

The East Bay Regional Park District manages 125,496 acres and 1,330 miles of trails across Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The full text of Ordinance 38 is available on the district's website.

To report a non-emergency park rule violation, including a weapons concern, visitors can call EBRPD dispatch at (510) 881-1833. The line is staffed 24 hours a day.

The Contra Costa Herald also reported on the prohibition on Wednesday, Aug. 26.