Increasing Public Access – Improvements Coming in 2021

March 1, 2021

COVID-19 has been challenging for the Park District. However, the Park District did not lose focus and stayed committed to moving projects forward to improve park access, enhance visitor park services, and restore natural habitat.

Here are some of the projects continuing to move forward in 2021 – many of which are expected to open to the public later this year.

Encinal Beach Restoration and Public Access Improvements – This hidden gem behind Encinal High School reopened at the end of 2020 with restored sand dunes, new trails, and improved accessibility. Encinal Beach is adjacent to the City of Alameda’s public Encinal Boat Launch, which was also renovated in 2020 and included a new restroom, fish cleaning station, and an outdoor shower.

Dumbarton Quarry Campground by the Bay at Coyote Hills – Construction is nearing completion at the Park District’s first shoreline campground with camping spaces for bikers, hikers, cars, motorcycles and RVs, and amenities including a camp store, showers, a playground, and day use area, reservable picnic sites, and access to scenic trails. The grand opening is expected in mid-2021.

McCosker Creek Restoration and Public Access – The largest creek restoration project in the Park District’s history is underway at Alder Creek and Leatherwood Creek in Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. The project daylights 3,000 feet of currently-culverted creek and will re-establish natural habitat for 10 special-status species. Planned amenities include parking, restrooms, water fountains, trails, and a group campsite. The project is expected to be complete in 2023.

Lone Tree Point SF Bay Trail Extension – This new half-mile-long San Francisco Bay Trail extension along the Park District’s San Pablo Bay Regional Shoreline in Rodeo will be opening in 2021, along with a paved spur trail connecting it to the existing Lone Tree Point staging area. The new Bay Trail extension will traverse a scenic coastal bluff with spectacular views of the San Pablo Bay.

Berkeley Brickyard Restoration and Public Access – Shoreline access, site amenities, and habitat restoration are coming to the Brickyard site in Berkeley. Public access improvements include substantial walking paths and a new staging area with parking, restrooms, and water fountains. The Berkeley Brickyard is part of McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, which is operated by the Park District. Opening is expected in 2021.

Tidewater Day Use Area – Site preparation is underway to expand the Tidewater Day Use Area at Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline. Planned improvements include additional parking, picnic sites, bathrooms, and water fountains.