Golden Gate Fields to Become Massive Bayfront Park After Land Deal

East Bay communities celebrate plan to transform former racetrack into new public green space

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After years of declining revenue and criticism from animal rights groups, the owners of the Golden Gate Fields racetrack in Alameda County have agreed to sell the 161-acre property to the Trust for Public Land. The nonprofit will then transfer the land to the East Bay Regional Park District, paving the way for the creation of a massive new community park along the San Francisco Bay shoreline.

Why it matters

The transformation of Golden Gate Fields into a public park will provide a rare opportunity to expand shoreline access, restore natural habitats, and create a new recreational destination for hundreds of thousands of East Bay residents. However, the loss of the racetrack will also mean a significant drop in tax revenue for the cities of Albany and Berkeley, which will need to find ways to offset those budget impacts.

The details

Under the agreement, the Trust for Public Land will acquire the Golden Gate Fields property for $175 million, with plans to then transfer ownership to the East Bay Regional Park District. The nonprofit has about $20 million already earmarked for the purchase and will work to raise the remaining funds through public and private sources. Once the land is secured, the park district will lead a robust public engagement process to determine the future uses and amenities for the new open space, which could include everything from hiking trails and kayaking to sunset dining spots.

  • The Trust for Public Land has until the end of 2026 to complete the $175 million purchase of the Golden Gate Fields property.
  • The racetrack closed in 2024 amid declining revenue and criticism from animal rights groups.

The players

Trust for Public Land

A San Francisco-based nonprofit conservation organization that acts as an intermediary in real estate transactions to preserve open space and protect natural resources.

East Bay Regional Park District

A network of public parks and trails spanning Alameda and Contra Costa counties, which will take ownership of the Golden Gate Fields property once the Trust for Public Land completes the acquisition.

The Stronach Group

The current owners of the Golden Gate Fields racetrack property.

Peggy McQuaid

The mayor of Albany, a city that will lose significant tax revenue from the closure of Golden Gate Fields but sees the creation of a new public park as a net positive for the community.

Adena Ishii

The mayor of Berkeley, which also stands to lose tax revenue from the racetrack's closure but is excited about the prospect of a new waterfront park for residents and visitors.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Golden Gate Fields offers a truly generational opportunity to reimagine a world-class bayside park for the Bay Area. 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, California State Director, Trust for Public Land

“This site offers significant potential for environmental stewardship, shoreline protection, and a variety of recreational uses and amenities. I look forward to the robust public engagement process and to hearing the ideas and perspectives our community members will bring to shaping this incredible space.”

— Peggy McQuaid, Mayor of Albany

“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. From kayaking and kite flying to sunset dining, Berkeley's waterfront parks are a treasured destination enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.”

— Adena Ishii, Mayor of Berkeley

What’s next

The Trust for Public Land has until the end of 2026 to complete the $175 million purchase of the Golden Gate Fields property, after which the East Bay Regional Park District will lead a public engagement process to determine the future uses and amenities for the new open space.

The takeaway

The transformation of Golden Gate Fields into a massive new public park along the San Francisco Bay shoreline represents a rare opportunity to expand recreational access, restore natural habitats, and create a vibrant community gathering space for hundreds of thousands of East Bay residents. However, the loss of the racetrack will also mean significant budget impacts for the cities of Albany and Berkeley, which will need to find ways to offset the drop in tax revenue.