17 Mar Pittsburg Sets Completion Date for Waterfront Development

Central Harbor Park. (City of Pittsburg)

Bay City News

Pittsburg city officials announced Friday that waterfront improvements are scheduled to be completed by late 2026.

Aiming to encourage public access to the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta area for recreational activities — while also improving security and bolstering its local economy — the city plans to improve Central Harbor Park and its surrounding parking lots.

“We anticipate increased interest from boaters, members of our community, and visitors to the waterfront and Old Town areas,” said Pittsburg Mayor Juan Antonio Banales. “We don’t want this to be a ‘hidden gem’ any longer — this can be a catalyst for commercial opportunities and a way to generate more foot traffic for businesses in the Old Town and Marina areas.”

Upgrades will include new park features, public restrooms, tourist-targeted signs and viewing benches, a fish-cleaning station, and improved accessible paths of travel in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The project will also include a new Pittsburg Police Department substation for additional security improvements, along with resurfacing of the parking lot.

“Pittsburg has one of the best maintained and well-positioned waterfronts along the Delta,” said Garrett Evans, Pittsburg’s city manager. “These planned upgrades will increase tourism while also providing recreational and educational opportunities for residents and visitors. These are historically high-traffic areas, with boaters, fishermen, joggers, and others who want to enjoy this amazing location.”

Prior resident feedback prompted the revitalization project plans, which have been years in the making. Residents and stakeholders have called for improved community areas and safety, especially pertaining to the boat launch facility. Through these discussions, the city also recognized the need for more outdoor recreational opportunities.

The plans became a reality when the city received two grants. Pittsburg received the first grant of $172,155 in 2021 from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy with funds from the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018, also known as Proposition 68. The second arrived in March 2023, when the city was awarded $3.65 million from the Delta Conservancy, which aims to increase equity, improve public health, and create economic opportunity.

Sara Bellafronte, assistant to the city manager, spearheaded the grant application processes and said the city’s goal is to ensure residents take full advantage of the improvements.

“Not only will access and recreational opportunities improve, but so will the economic prospects for Pittsburg’s waterfront businesses,” Bellafronte said.

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