Golden Gate Fields, a 161–162-acre racetrack near Berkeley, closes after nearly 90 years of horse racing and is now the subject of a proposed public redevelopment plan. Lawmakers are advancing about $125 million to help purchase the property and preserve it for public use.
The proposal would convert the former track into a major waterfront park, with plans to link nearby parks and open spaces and expand access for pedestrians and cyclists. The East Bay Regional Park District is expected to manage the site after the land is acquired. State funding would support public planning and phased construction following the purchase.
Outlets also note that the project is not yet fully funded. While $125 million is being moved forward, a $30 million gap remains to be covered through additional public and philanthropic sources. The overall concept centers on transforming the site into a large recreational area, after decades of racing.
