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Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline: A Bayfront Reclamation

Discover Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline in San Leandro: a revitalized park with trails, birdwatching, art, and stunning bay views, reborn from a former landfill into a natural haven.

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Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline, a 157-acre park in San Leandro, offers a unique blend of recreation and ecological restoration. Once a landfill, it has been transformed into a vibrant space with walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and the Oakland Airport. The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with diverse species inhabiting the shoreline and wetlands. Art installations, including the 'Rising Wave' sculpture, add a cultural dimension to the natural landscape. With ongoing development, Oyster Bay continues to evolve, providing a valuable recreational and environmental resource for the community and visitors alike. It's a testament to the possibilities of urban renewal and ecological recovery, offering a refreshing escape with a touch of history and art.

A brief summary to Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching, especially during migratory seasons, to spot diverse shorebirds and raptors.
  • Check the tide charts before visiting; low tide exposes mudflats, attracting different bird species, while high tide offers stunning bay views.
  • Explore the park's art installations, including the 'Rising Wave' sculpture, for a unique blend of nature and culture.
  • Consider bringing a kite to fly in the open spaces, taking advantage of the consistent bay breezes.
  • Be mindful of leash rules for dogs; they're allowed off-leash in the central area but must be leashed on the paved perimeter trail.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From I-880 in San Leandro, exit at Marina Blvd and head west. Turn right onto Neptune Drive. Continue to the end of Neptune Drive, where parking is available. Parking is free. Be aware that parking can be limited on weekends and holidays.

  • Public Transport

    From the San Leandro BART station, take AC Transit bus line 97 towards the Marina Blvd and Neptune Dr stop. From there, walk north on Neptune Dr for about 5 minutes to reach Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline. A single ride on AC Transit costs $2.50.

  • Walking

    If you are near the San Leandro Marina, you can walk north along the San Francisco Bay Trail to Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline. The walk is approximately 1 mile and offers scenic views of the bay. Follow the trail across the Bill Lockyer Bay Trail Bridge over San Leandro Slough to reach the park.

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Discover more about Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline

Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline stands as a testament to the transformative power of ecological restoration and community vision. Once a landfill, this 157-acre park in San Leandro has been reborn as a vibrant recreational and environmental space, offering visitors a unique opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay. Located along the eastern shore of the bay, just south of Oakland International Airport, Oyster Bay's history is deeply intertwined with the region's development. For 37 years, it served as a landfill, a repository for the area's waste. In 1977, the landfill reached its capacity and was sealed with a clay cap. Recognizing the potential for a valuable community asset, the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) acquired the property in 1980 with the vision of transforming it into a park. The transformation process has been a long and ongoing endeavor, involving extensive efforts to ensure the site's environmental safety and suitability for public use. Clean soil has been imported to create a protective layer over the former landfill, and the land has been carefully graded to promote proper drainage and minimize infiltration. These efforts have paved the way for the development of a diverse landscape featuring salt marshes, meadows, native plants, and landscaped picnic areas. Today, Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline offers a wide array of recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages and interests. The park boasts a network of walking and biking trails, including a two-mile segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail, providing stunning views of the bay, the Oakland skyline, and the planes taking off and landing at the nearby airport. The paved trails are ideal for leisurely strolls, invigorating bike rides, and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Birdwatchers will find themselves in paradise at Oyster Bay, as the park is home to a remarkable diversity of avian species. Marsh hawks, black-shouldered kites, red-tailed hawks, and various shorebirds are frequently sighted, making it a prime location for observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The park's wetlands and shoreline provide essential feeding and resting grounds for migratory birds, further enhancing its ecological significance. In addition to its natural attractions, Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline also features several art installations that add a cultural dimension to the park experience. The most prominent of these is the "Rising Wave" sculpture by Roger Berry, a series of angled poles that evoke the image of a swelling wave. This striking artwork serves as a visual landmark and a reminder of the park's transformation from a site of waste to a place of beauty and inspiration. For those seeking a more active recreational experience, Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline offers an 18-hole disc golf course. This challenging course provides a unique and engaging way to explore the park's landscape while enjoying a friendly competition with friends and family. The disc golf course is free to play and is located beyond the Rising Wave sculpture. Oyster Bay also provides several picnic areas, perfect for enjoying a meal amidst the scenic surroundings. These areas offer picnic tables and barbecue pits, making them ideal for family gatherings, group outings, or simply a relaxing lunch break. The park's open spaces and natural beauty create a serene atmosphere for picnicking and enjoying the outdoors. As Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline continues to evolve, the EBRPD remains committed to enhancing its recreational and environmental amenities. Future plans include the development of additional trails, improved access points, and further ecological restoration projects. These ongoing efforts will ensure that Oyster Bay remains a valuable resource for the community and a shining example of urban renewal and ecological recovery. Visiting Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline is an opportunity to witness the remarkable transformation of a former landfill into a thriving park. It's a place where nature and art intertwine, where recreational opportunities abound, and where the community can come together to enjoy the beauty of the San Francisco Bay. Whether you're a birdwatcher, a hiker, a disc golf enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline offers something for everyone.

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