Globe Newspapers

A Reliable
Voice in the
Community

Volume 7
Issue 17
July 15 - 21, 2010

Home

Advertisements

Park proposed for Oakland side of Bay Bridge

The Associated Press

An unsightly area on the eastern side of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge may eventually be converted into a scenic waterfront park under a proposal by a group of state and local agencies.

Caltrans, Oakland, the Bay Area Toll Authority and six other agencies have proposed converting up to 50 acres of what is now an industrial section of Oakland that houses utility equipment and pump stations, into what an official with the Bay Conservation and Development Commission describes as a “world-class park.”

“We are looking for a world-class park at the touchdown for a world-class bridge,” said Will Travis, executive director of the commission, one of the agencies planning the park.

One concept for what would be known as Gateway Park would restore the land in the area, while providing limited access use for visitors.

A second concept would develop trails through the park and improve bicycle lanes for bicyclists riding to the park

The third concept would include attractions such as an elevated tramway and Ferris wheel, as well as waterfront restaurants.

Nine agencies have pitched in $950,000 to begin a study on details of the proposed park. A report is due this summer, with the first draft for the park expected to released later this year.