The shuttered Golden Gate Fields racetrack, which closed in 2024 after decades on the East Bay waterfront, is another step closer to its ambitious second act!
The Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) announced in March 2026 that they had secured an option agreement on the 162-acre property. Now, just a few days ago on August 31, California legislators approved $125 million toward its acquisition, marking the largest single funding milestone yet in the push to convert the site into a public park.
The property sits along a prominent stretch of East Bay shoreline between Albany and Berkeley. Turning it into a public park would link Albany Beach, Albany Bulb, McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, and Point Isabel Regional Shoreline into one connected system.
Planners envision a sprawling park that adds to the in-progress San Francisco Bay Trail, restores tidal wetland habitats, offers new recreational amenities, and creates nature-based flood defenses to protect neighboring communities. Its location offshore from the 373-acre Brooks Island Regional Preserve would also factor into habitat restoration.
“I am excited to partner with the East Bay Regional Park District to engage our community in reimagining the former racetrack as a vibrant public space, expanding opportunities to gather in community and experience the beauty of our shoreline,” said Adena Ishii, Mayor, City of Berkeley.
“From kayaking and kite flying to sunset dining, Berkeley’s waterfront parks are a treasured destination enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.”
The newly announced $125 million state commitment is substantial, but it doesn’t close the deal completely.
EBRPD, TPL, and the Regional Parks Foundation are continuing to raise additional public and private funding in order to complete the acquisition, after which point EBRPD will receive the property for long-term public ownership.
🌐 Learn more: East Bay Regional Park District