Thank you to those who joined us at our guided hike led by Sam Herzberg, Senior Planner for San Mateo County Parks Department, which was held at the historic and scenic Coyote Point Recreation Area last week. Sam has been deeply involved in planning for the sustainability and safety advancements of SMC Parks, including the development of the Coyote Point Recreation Area Master Plan.

As we took in the hike's views, Sam shared insights into the master plan, including the removal of invasive eucalyptus trees and encouragement of native plant growth, mapping decades of water utilities, facilitating improvements to water, lighting, energy, disability access, playgrounds, and the Bay Trail. There are others users in the “Recreation Area” who have facilities in addition to County Parks, which have their own funding sources to implement improvements. The Master Plan anticipated improvements of these areas, and as we’ve seen most have are phasing in or completed improvements. These improvements have been made by the Sheriff’s Shooting Range, San Mateo Flood Control, CuriOdyssey, Marina dredging and general infrastructure improvements.

We also got the chance to see the recently completed Coyote Point Eastern Promenade Rejuvenation Project, a major capital improvement project that enhances recreational beach use and access and protects the Promenade from the impacts of sea-level rise.

During lunch, Sam shared the San Mateo County Parks Sustainability Action Plan that directed the Department to new efforts to improve the sustainability and resiliency of San Mateo County Parks. These vital plans can serve as models of best practices for others in the Bay Area to learn from and implement.

Thank you for taking the opportunity to connect, learn, and appreciate the wonders of Coyote Point with fellow nature enthusiasts!