State to fund $125 million purchase of former horse track for new park

California state lawmakers are preparing to approve legislation that will allocate up to $125 million in state funds to purchase Golden Gate Fields, a 161-acre former horse racing facility located along the East Bay shoreline. The site, situated west of Interstate 80 in Berkeley, is slated to become a publicly accessible waterfront park. This initiative is a stated priority for Governor Gavin Newsom.

The financial backing will be drawn from Proposition 4, a voter-approved $10 billion bond measure originally designated for climate-related projects such as drinking water infrastructure, wildfire prevention, and land conservation. The track, owned by the Canadian firm The Stronach Group, ceased operations in 2024 after 83 years of racing.

In March, the national nonprofit Trust for Public Land announced plans to raise $175 million to acquire the property and transfer ownership to the East Bay Regional Park District.

Local officials and state representatives have expressed support for the project, citing the potential to restore the coastline and improve access to public amenities. Sen. Jesse Arreguín, a Democrat representing Berkeley, described the development as a significant win for the region.

In his May budget proposal, Newsom suggested the state cover the majority of the costs, with the park district contributing $20 million and the nonprofit expected to raise an additional $30 million.

The proposal is now part of Assembly Bill/Senate Bill 113, which legislators are expected to adopt by Tuesday. The legislation includes a provision that may reduce the state’s contribution if the nonprofit and park district collectively raise more than $50 million by the end of the year.

Newsom’s budget document characterized the acquisition as a rare chance to repurpose the land into a recreational hub that expands open space and Bayshore access for residents.

However, the plan has faced criticism from environmental advocates and some lawmakers who argue that diverting these funds could undermine other climate priorities. Sen. Eloise Gomez-Reyes, a Democrat from San Bernardino who chairs the Senate budget subcommittee on resources, expressed concern that the large expenditure might delay other funding needs. She noted that allocating $125 million from Proposition 4 represents a substantial amount of money.

Annie Burke, executive director of the conservation coalition TOGETHER Bay Area, also raised concerns. In a letter to lawmakers, she warned that the investment could reduce resources available for a competitive grant-making program originally funded by the bond. Burke emphasized the importance of supporting smaller projects led by Native American tribes and community-based organizations.

Source: Pleasanton Weekly.

Sources

https://www.pleasantonweekly.com/calmatters/2026/09/01/california-to-buy-defunct-horse-track-and-turn-it-into-the-bay-areas-newest-public-park/