Golden Gate Fields to be converted into East Bay public park

California lawmakers have approved up to $125 million in state funding to assist in the acquisition and transformation of Golden Gate Fields into a large-scale public waterfront park. The 161-acre former horse racing track, located along the East Bay shoreline spanning Albany and Berkeley, closed in 2024 following a decline in the horse racing industry.

The funding will be drawn from Proposition 4, a voter-approved $10 billion climate bond intended for projects such as wildfire prevention and drinking water. While the allocation has faced some criticism from advocates concerned about diverting resources from other climate priorities, supporters view the project as a rare opportunity to restore the coastline.

The Trust for Public Land intends to raise a total of $175 million for the purchase. Combined with $20 million pledged by the park district and state funds, the acquisition aims to transfer the property to the East Bay Regional Park District. Once developed, the site is planned to serve as a continuous coastal open space, connecting several local landmarks including Albany Beach, McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, and Point Isabel Regional Shoreline.