Board of Directors

District Transfers Quarter-Acre to Railroad to End Contamination Liability

The board approved quit-claiming 0.24 acres to Union Pacific Railroad after a remediated oil contamination cap was found to extend onto jointly-owned park district/state parks land.

Why it matters: The administrative fix permanently removes environmental monitoring obligations for both the park district and state parks, ending years of multi-agency coordination over a property-line surveying error.

FEMA-Funded Eucalyptus Thinning Targets 56 Acres Near Berkeley Hills Homes

The board approved $1.61M in contracts to thin eucalyptus stands on 56 acres in Tilden Park adjacent to the Berkeley Hills wildland-urban interface, funded primarily by FEMA.

Why it matters: The project protects one of Northern California's most densely populated areas adjacent to wildlands with 90+ mph fire weather, while safeguarding the historic 1911 Merry-Go-Round.

Former Gun Club Cleanup Moves to Design Phase After Decade of Planning

Board authorized a contract with Geosyntech to design on-site consolidation and capping of lead-contaminated soil at the former Anthony Chabot Marksmanship Range, closed since 2016.

Why it matters: The district chose on-site containment at one-eighth the cost of excavation, but board members pressed for clarity on long-term monitoring costs and whether the $5.9M remaining budget will be sufficient.

Hayward Marsh Phase 1A Targets September Construction Start

Staff presented a multi-phase marsh restoration project at Hayward Regional Shoreline that will enhance Least Tern habitat, adapt the Bay Trail for sea level rise, and improve tidal connectivity.

Why it matters: The project implements decades of scientific research on endangered species management and represents the district's most comprehensive sea-level-rise adaptation initiative, with $2M already awarded from the Restoration Authority.

Fire Dept Stabilized Mass Tree Die-Off With $12.9M in Chabot Investment

The fire department reported stabilizing the 2020 tree die-off emergency with a 50% staffing increase, $11.6M in grant funding, and 1,477 acres treated in 2025.

Why it matters: The district leveraged $1.4M in district funds into $12.9M total for Anthony Chabot alone; lifeguard student instructors trained 13,000 community members in CPR and water safety across two counties.

Board Backs E-Bike Registration Bill 4-2 Amid Safety vs. Equity Split

The board voted 4-2 to support AB 1942 requiring DMV registration for Class 2 and 3 e-bikes, overriding opposition from cycling advocacy groups.

Why it matters: E-bike speed on paved regional trails is a top safety complaint; the bill would create the state's first e-bike registration and license plate system, potentially affecting low-income riders who use e-bikes as car alternatives.

New Park Signage Program Rolls Out District-Wide Starting at Del Valle

Acting GM Max Courten showcased a signage refresh program beginning at Del Valle with updated maps and wildlife info, plus seasonal openings and district plan outreach events.

Residents Demand Public Engagement on Wildcat Canyon Bike Park Plan

Two commenters raised safety, environmental, and public engagement concerns about a proposed destination bike trail in Wildcat Canyon Regional Park.

Why it matters: The proposed flow trail with 80+ jumps would transform a quiet natural area into an intensive recreation destination, potentially conflicting with the 1985 Land Use Plan and drawing most of the district's foot-traffic users into conflict with bikes.