East Bay Regional Park District board members, leadership, and staff joined with elected officials, City of Richmond representatives, and community leaders on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, to break ground on the construction of the Point Molate Bay Trail Extension Project in Richmond.
The event marked the start of construction of 2.5 miles of new San Francisco Bay Trail from the City of Richmond’s Point Molate Beach Park to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.
“This extension of the San Francisco Bay Trail is an important step toward expanding public access at Point Molate,” said Park District General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “We’re thankful for our strong partnerships with the City of Richmond and local and state agencies for helping to secure the necessary funds and for working together to make this important project a reality.”
The Point Molate Bay Trail Extension Project is a partnership between the East Bay Regional Park District and the City of Richmond, which owns 1.25 miles of the 2.5-mile trail extension project area. The Park District is leading design, permitting, and construction of the trail.
New public access will include an all-weather, multi-use, ADA-compliant trail, along with parking, restrooms, and picnic areas at Point Molate Beach Park. It also lays the groundwork for future access to public open space and unpaved trails. Bay shoreline habitats at several locations along the trail corridor will be restored and enhanced. Exhibit panels along the trail will educate trailgoers about the rich cultural history of Castro Point and Point Molate Beach. Benches will be placed along the trail for resting and enjoying the scenery.
“This project is significant to our community as a first step in providing access to a truly iconic future regional park at Point Molate,” said Park District Board Director Elizabeth Echols. “It’s not just about building a trail—it’s about creating opportunities for everyone to enjoy the beauty and history of this special place.”
The $13.1 million project is funded in part by Park District measures CC, FF, and WW, as well the City of Richmond, California State Coastal Conservancy, California Natural Resources Board, Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and California State Parks.
“Improving public access to Point Molate exemplifies the power of local agencies working together,” said General Manager Landreth, a sentiment echoed by the day’s speakers (Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez, California State Coastal Conservancy Executive Officer Amy Hutzel, and Deputy Secretary for Access at California Natural Resources Board Gloria Sandoval). “This project reflects our deep commitment to connecting people with nature in meaningful and lasting ways.”
With today’s groundbreaking heralding the start of the project, construction will get underway in the coming weeks.
