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About 150 people attended a workshop Thursday intended to gather community input on two development plans for the Eastshore State Park, an eight and a half mile piece of land that stretches from the Richmond Bay Marina to the Bay Bridge.  

One includes more preservation and the other stresses development of the land’s recreational facilities. Both plans were developed by Wallace Roberts & Todd, the planning firm hired by the East Bay Regional District. 

Ned MacKay, public information supervisor for the East Bay Regional Park District, said the 1,800 acres of shoreline was bought in 1998 from the Catellus Corporation to preserve it for public use. The planning process, which began in January 2001, is headed by the East Bay Regional Park District, California State Parks and the California State Coastal Conservancy. 

Stephen Hammond, Director of Planning for Wallace Roberts & Todd, said plan A involves removal of exotic plant species, improving creeks into the bay and wetland preservation. The plan includes passive recreational use, such as hiking, bird watching and kayaking.  

Hammond said Plan B includes development for facilities such as boat launches, turf areas for sports, restrooms, parking, picnic areas, concession stands, equipment storage and paved roads. 

Paul Kamen, chair of the Berkeley Waterfront Commission said he strongly prefers plan B because it allows for active recreational use. 

“My biggest fear is that we will have a water front park that ignores the opportunities offered by the water,” he said, referring to kayaking and entry-level rowing for casual visitors. “My goal is that every afternoon during the summer kids will be able to ride their bicycles to the waterfront and get involved in dragon boat racing.” 

In a letter to the Daily Planet published Sept. 11, Kamen said “…the most valuable open space in this park is the water, not the land. ... There is a sublime satisfaction in simply floating on water and directing one’s own course.” 

Sarah Wagner Ginskey, a 32-year-old artist who lives in Berkeley, said she wants to encourage people to pick the plan with the less intense recreational use. 

Ginskey said she hikes every day. Most of her paintings are inspired by California’s native landscape and wildlife, she said. Before the meeting she passed out literature on wildlife conservation. The handout included some of her art work, including a picture of a Burrowing Owl. 

“Nearly 90 percent of our Bay’s wetland and wildlife areas have been lost,” she said citing Save The Bay, an environmental group. “There is so little habitat left in the Bay Area. People should think in the long term. In the last 200 years we have drastically changed this region.” 

Osha Neumann, a 62-year-old lawyer and mural painter who lives in North Oakland said neither plan works for him.  

“Leave it alone,” he said referring to the parkland. “It’s the last piece of wilderness on the bay. When you destroy wilderness you destroy a non-renewable source.” 

Despite their input, residents were told by planning manager, Donald Neuwirth, that public comment would be one of several factors in the final outcome of the general plan for the state park. 

“Community involvement in the planning process is very important,” said Donald Neuwirth, planning manager. “[However] people should not feel this is a head count or an issue of names signed on a petition but rather there’s laws, regulations and financial considerations.” 

The Eastshore State Park is part of the state park system and must adhere to its policies, procedures and overall mission, said Larry Trong, a member of the planning team.  

“We also have to consider state law as mandated by the California Public Resources Code,” he said. 

Under Section 5003.03 (h) of the code, the park shall be “…a recreational facility harmonious with its natural setting.” 

Curt Gray, a trade show installer in his 40s, said he did not know how much of an impact the community will have in the general plan of the park. 

“I have participated in many public forums,” he said. “Some of which community input had an effect on the end result and others that did not.” 

Mark Irwin, a mechanical engineer who lives in Oakland said the planning team is trying to incorporate as much public sentiment as possible. He said, “The fact that they are having this forum is a plus.” 

Irwin said he spends 50 percent of his recreational time sailing and wind surfing in the state park. However he does not like either of the two plans. 

“They’re both about development,” Irwin said. “I rather leave it the way it is.”  

The next regional workshop is scheduled for February 2002. Community members with comments or questions can contact the Eastshore State Park information line at (888) 988-PARK or visit www.eastshorestatepark.org.