Point Molate Bay Trail extension underway

The construction of the Point Molate San Francisco Bay Trail Extension Project in Richmond is underway. 

Ground broke last week on the 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. 

"The Point Molate Bay Trail will open a whole new area of the Richmond shoreline for walkers and bikers to explore with unique views of the Bay, Mount Tamalpais, and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge," said Lee Huo, Bay Trail Senior Planner. The Bay Trail is a joint project of ABAG and MTC.

"This project is a result of the partnership between a wide variety of local, regional, and State agencies with the joint goal to fund and build this new Bay Trail," Huo said. "It is this kind of partnership and shared vision that will move us towards completing the Bay Trail." 

The $13.1 million project is funded in part by MTC, Park District measures CC, FF, and WW, as well the City of Richmond, California State Coastal Conservancy, California Natural Resources Board and California State Parks.

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. 

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. 

The vision for a complete Bay Trail is a total of 500 miles of trails that circle the San Francisco and San Pablo Bays. To date, more than 350 miles have been completed.