Trust for Public Land Secures Golden Gate Fields for Future Park Development

The Trust for Public Land has secured the right to purchase the former Golden Gate Fields horse racing venue for $175 million, with plans to transform the 161-acre site into a public park. The horse racing track, which operated for 83 years, closed in 2024, leaving the property vacant. The acquisition aims to enhance public access to the East Bay shoreline and protect sensitive habitats along the San Francisco Bay.

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Local residents have expressed enthusiasm about the potential park. Teri Hudson, a visitor to Albany Beach, noted her concerns about security in the area due to the vacant lot, stating, "Oh my gosh, that’s so exciting. We were wondering what’s going to happen here." Colleen Haraden, another community member, emphasized the need for more open spaces, saying, "It’s the best thing for us. I come here every day for my sanity, and I’m super thankful for it." Carlos Roman, a shoreline visitor, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the community's unity and peace at the shoreline.

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The Trust for Public Land, in collaboration with the East Bay Regional Park District, plans to restore the land to its natural state, which is expected to benefit both wildlife and local communities. Elizabeth Echols, a board member of the East Bay Regional Park District, stated, "When we bring the land back to its more natural state, we can also protect sensitive habitats, which is good for wildlife as well as the residential communities that live in that area." The project aims to improve resilience against climate impacts, including flooding and sea level rise.

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This acquisition is viewed as a significant opportunity to expand public access to the Bay Area's shoreline while enhancing environmental protections. Guillermo Rodriguez, Vice President of the Pacific Region and California state director for the Trust for Public Land, remarked, "Golden Gate Fields offers a truly generational opportunity to reimagine a world-class bayside park for the Bay Area." The initiative is expected to create recreational amenities that will serve hundreds of thousands of residents.

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While the sale is not finalized, plans are underway to ensure the land is preserved for public enjoyment and ecological health. The Trust for Public Land and the East Bay Regional Park District are expected to work closely with community partners to develop the site into a recreational space that meets the needs of both residents and wildlife.

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• “There continues to be a nature gap across California and the United States," said Juan Altamirano with Trust for Public Land.” — Juan Altamirano, Trust for Public Land

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• “It’s really important to have that restored land so that we can protect against climate impacts.” — Elizabeth Echols, EBRPD Board Member

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• “With the East Bay Regional Park District and a wide range of public and community partners, we have the chance to expand shoreline access, restore vital ecosystems, and create a place where hundreds of thousands of residents can connect with the outdoors.” — Guillermo Rodriguez, Trust for Public Land

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