URGENT ACTION NEEDED BY JUNE 15!

TELL THE STATE LEGISLATURE: Support The Historic Opportunity to Transform Golden Gate Fields Into a Vibrant Waterfront Park

(Image courtesy of Citizens for Eastshore Parks)

Our waterfront is the East Bay’s greatest public asset. Golden Gate Fields race track sits along a prominent stretch of the Berkeley and Albany shoreline. In 2023, when horseracing ended on the site, then-Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin advocated to transform the 160 acre venue into a vibrant waterfront park–a vision local environmental and community groups long shared.

This March, the Trust for Public Land announced its intention to buy the site and transfer it to the East Bay Regional Park District for this very purpose. The Park District can cover $50 million, but a major gap remains. Governor Newsom has proposed a State budget investment of $125 million to finalize the deal. 

Now it’s up to the State Legislature to make this happen by June 15th. Voting yes will:

• Expand shoreline and trail access: For residents, visitors, beachgoers, bicyclists, pedestrians, and hikers.
• Connect residents to the East Bay’s most cherished public spaces: This is the missing link in our shoreline park system–the site connects Albany Beach, the McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, and others.
• Ensure public land is used for public good: Competing proposals for future usage of the site include for hotels and shopping malls. This land belongs to the public.
• Advance our commitment to equity: There’s a desperate need for more publicly available open space. This proposal ensures everyone in the Bay Area and beyond has access to this natural wonder.
• Strengthen climate resilience: Helps ensure we adapt to rising sea levels and threats from climate change.

Let’s not miss this one-in-a-generation opportunity to create a new waterfront gem the Bay Area can enjoy for generations to come.

Join State Senator Jesse Arreguín, Sierra Club, Citizens for Eastshore Parks, Golden Gate Bird Alliance, and more, and sign the petition to the State Legislature now!