Bay Bridge

Gateway Park

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An exciting opportunity to develop a 25- to 30-acre park on the Oakland shoreline is taking shape, thanks to the Oakland Army Base closing and Caltrans' decision to build a new east span for the Bay Bridge.

A "gateway park" just south of the new span's touchdown may become a welcoming entry to the East Bay, transforming a bleak, nondescript Bay frontage into a natural haven, landscaped with tall grasses, waterfowl ponds, scenic outlooks, picnic areas and other amenities.

Since Caltrans plans to move westbound traffic lanes at the toll plaza farther north and to remove the aging toll administration building and maintenance facilities from the plaza median, the entire median area could be incorporated into the new park. A competition has been proposed to design landscaping, art and sculpture for the park.

Bicycle/Pedestrian Access
In addition to providing a sparkling East Bay vista for motorists crossing the bridge, the park would connect the bicycle/pedestrian path on the new eastern span with the Bay Trail and the nine-mile-long East Shore State Park, both currently under development. From the bridge, bicyclists and pedestrians could travel north through Emeryville as far as Richmond and south as far as San Leandro.