27 Aug Point Molate Shoreline to Become Public Park

A view from Point Molate on the Point San Pablo Peninsula in Richmond on Aug. 13 shows the natural and cultural amenities that will be designed into the Bay Trail extension project. (East Bay Regional Park District via Bay City News)

By Ruth Dusseault
Bay City News

One more piece of bay shoreline has been secured for a public park.

The East Bay Regional Park District has acquired 82 acres at Point Molate on the Point San Pablo Peninsula in Richmond for $40 million from the Guidiville Rancheria of California, a federally recognized Indian tribe.

The property includes Native American sacred sites, a historic Chinese fishing village, and Winehaven, once the world’s largest winery, making it both environmentally and culturally important.

In a public statement, East Bay Regional Park District board director Elizabeth Echols expressed excitement over the future park.

“This acquisition provides a rare opportunity to create a park on stunning Bay front property and preserve its environmental importance and significant cultural history,” Echols said.

In July 2024, the park district, the city of Richmond, and Guidiville Rancheria signed a letter of intent to preserve the land. A purchase agreement followed in November 2024, with the acquisition being finalized on Tuesday.

The $40 million purchase was largely funded by $36 million from the 2022-23 California state budget. The rest came from voter-approved park district revenue Measures AA and WW.

On Aug. 1, construction began on the Point Molate Bay Trail Extension Project, a 2.5-mile trail that will link Point Molate Beach Park to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Planning and funding for development of park amenities are expected to take several years.

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