At the November 6 public hearing, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors adopted the 2007 Master Plan Map. The 2007 Master Plan Map encompasses creating new regional trails and expanding the East Bay Regional Park District in the following areas (continued from 1997 Map): Alameda Shoreline (Naval Air Station), Bethany Reservoir, Cedar Mountain, Delta Access, Delta Recreation, Dublin Hills Open Space, Duarte Canyon, North Richmond Wetlands, Pittsburg-Antioch Shoreline, Point Edith Wetlands and Point Molate, and (additions to 2007 Draft map): Altamont/Tesla, Byron Vernal pools, Concord Naval Weapons Station, Doolan Canyon, Deer Valley, Oakland Shoreline, Rancho Pinole.

The major areas of growth for the past 10 years included completing the Measure AA Bond Program (the 1988 Regional Park and Trail Bond Act) throughout the two-county area and establishing a system of regional trails and parks in eastern Alameda County. Measure AA funds were used to purchase expansions to existing and new parks, obtain trail rights-of-way, develop extensions of the regional trail system and complete $56 million in local park and recreation facilities.

During the next decade, the Park District expects to face rapid urbanization of the East Bay which severely limits the opportunities for new parkland acquisition. Other significant challenges include: population growth of the Bay Area, increase in cultural and ethnic diversity, emphasis on the creation of denser and more sustainable residential development, and closure and conversion of military bases. The proposed updated map reflects the current situation and will help guide the District in the acquisition of new parklands and trails over the next ten years. An extension of the 1988 Regional Park and Trail bond act is being considered for the November 2008 election to support these future parklands.

In developing the 2007 Master Plan Map, the District used the latest in Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. Working with data from a recent survey of East Bay residents, gaps were identified in the current system of regional parks, open space areas and trails serving existing and expanding East bay communities. The new map was created to address these gaps along with identifying important natural resources that need protection.

The District will begin working on updating the written policy portion of the Master Plan in 2009. Once completed, the new Master will provide the policies and guidelines to achieve the highest standards in resource conservation, management, interpretation, public access and recreation.

The Map is available for viewing online at www.ebparks.org/planning/mp/2007_map. The public may also call 1 (888) EBPARKS for District information. Back to top