State move to buy Golden Gate Fields would transfer park to East Bay district under deal

The governor's May Revision proposes up to $125 million in one-time funding from a climate bond to help acquire Golden Gate Fields, a 161-acre property on the East Bay shoreline, administration officials told the Senate Budget Subcommittee.

Wade Trofut, who identified himself as the lead for the California Natural Resources Agency, said the plan would result in the property's transfer to the East Bay Regional Park District, which would assume maintenance and operations. "That would be a responsibility of the Regional Park District," Trofut said, arguing the acquisition is a "time-limited opportunity" that requires state action now.

Amy Hutzsell, executive officer of the State Coastal Conservancy, detailed the acquisition timeline and cleanup expectations: Trust for Public Land holds an option that must be exercised by December, with escrow expected to close in early 2027. Hutzsell said the option and appraisal assume the land will be "scraped down to the ground," with the current owner removing structures and undertaking environmental remediation before transfer. She added that East Bay Regional Park District plans to buy contamination insurance to cover unknown contamination risks.

Department of Finance staff said the state's proposed contribution would be distributed across agencies: $25 million to CNRA, $25 million to the Wildlife Conservation Board and $75 million to the Coastal Conservancy, for a maximum state contribution of $125 million toward an appraisal value of $175 million. Trofut said Trust for Public Land and East Bay Regional Parks would still be expected to secure the remaining roughly $50 million.

Senators pressed for details about deed restrictions and long-term costs. Hutzsell said deed restrictions would be negotiated with the grantee and would limit future uses to park purposes, habitat restoration, tribal access and public access, and would "not be for commercial development of the property." Finance staff and agency officials said the state would not be responsible for ongoing maintenance once the land transfers to the regional park district.

Supporters from local and regional organizations told the committee the site is a rare public-access opportunity. East Bay Regional Park District representatives and conservation groups said the acquisition could expand open space and restore wetlands along the East Shore.

The committee did not take a vote; members asked the administration for additional contract language and assurances about deed restrictions, remediation responsibilities, and the schedule for exercising the option agreement. The option exercise deadline, according to agency testimony, is December of this year with escrow closing in early 2027.