Albany Beach Restoration & Public Access Project Update

Thanks to voter-approved funding from Measures CC and Measure WW, the East Bay Regional Park District has embarked on a plan to improve habitat, access, and trail conditions along the Albany shoreline at McLaughlin Eastshore State Park. The Park District operates McLaughlin Eastshore State Park on behalf of California State Parks.

McLaughlin Eastshore State Park extends 8.5 miles along the East Bay shoreline from the Bay Bridge to Richmond. It includes 1,854 acres of uplands and tidelands along the waterfronts of Oakland, Emeryville, Berkeley, Albany, and Richmond.

The first phase of the Albany Beach Restoration & Public Access Project began in 2015 and included shoreline restoration and trail improvements along the Albany Neck along the southern edge of the shoreline.

The Albany Neck is part of the former Albany landfill and was especially vulnerable to erosion. Phase 1 removed old landfill debris and added rocks, sand and other natural features to keep the shoreline intact to protect San Francisco Bay water quality and prevent a popular shoreline trail from eroding. Phase 1 also included bird-roosting areas, oyster shell reefs, and tide-pools. Phase 1 was completed in 2015.

The project is currently in Phases 2 and 3, which are expected to be completed in 2018.

Phase 2 is focused on improving the Albany Beach area, including dune and wetland restoration, restrooms, parking and other improvements.

Phase 3 is focused on extending the San Francisco Bay Trail between Buchanan and Gilman streets west of Golden Gate Fields – one of the largest remaining Bay Trail gaps in the East Bay. The San Francisco Bay Trail is a planned 500-mile walking and cycling path around the entire San Francisco Bay.

Phase 2 and 3 are expected to cost $10 million, and will be funded by Measure CC, Measure WW, the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Measure B), the Coastal Conservancy, the Cosco Busan Trustee Council, and other sources.

Measure CC was passed by western Alameda and Contra Costa counties voters in 2004 to fund critical infrastructure improvements and fire hazard reduction at some of the District’s oldest and most well-used parks. Measure CC is set to expire soon.

Measure WW is a $500 million bond in Alameda and Contra Costa counties that funds park acquisitions and capital improvements, as well as local park and recreation projects. Measure WW was passed by Park District voters in 2008.

Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor
(510) 544-2217
dmason@ebparks.org