The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District recently opened a new neighborhood access gate to Ravenswood Open Space Preserve in East Palo Alto.
The new entrance, located at the end of Rutgers Street, is designed to provide safe, direct and convenient access to the San Francisco Bay Trail for nearby neighborhoods. Previously, Rutgers Street ended in a chain link fence, requiring residents whose homes are located just a few hundred feet from Ravenswood Preserve to take a detour of nearly a mile to reach the Bay Trail.
Neighbors from East Palo Alto’s University Village neighborhood, along with staff from the City of East Palo Alto, Midpen and regional partners, attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new access point on Saturday, April 4. Midpen Ward 5 Board Member Karen Holman joined East Palo Alto Mayor Webster Lincoln in cutting the ribbon.
“Access to open space is not a small thing for our community,” said Lincoln. “This gate is more than just an entrance it’s an invitation to walk, breathe, explore and belong in this incredible regional landscape that connects over 80 miles around the bay.”
The new entryway, which was completed at the end of March, includes a solar-powered automatic pedestrian gate, security fencing, a sidewalk extension, drainage improvements and trail signage. The project aligns with East Palo Alto’s Parks Master Plan in improving connectivity to the Bay Trail for residents. The automated gate complies with San Francisco Public Utilities Commission requirements to secure the Bay Trail from 10 p.m.-5 a.m., outside if operating hours.
The project reflects ongoing collaboration between Midpen, the City of East Palo Alto and the SFPUC to enhance regional trail connections and ensure long-term care of natural resources and recreational opportunities in the area.
“Ravenswood preserve is a crucial refuge along the Pacific Flyway, home to many migratory birds and unique wildlife,” said Midpen lead ranger Steven Johnson. “Opening access here allows the community to experience this incredible natural treasure while helping protect its delicate habitats for years to come.”
Located in the wetlands of the San Francisco Bay, the 376-acre Ravenswood preserve is home to wildlife including migrating shorebirds such as dowitchers, American avocets and terns. Visitors also spot great blue herons, white pelicans and egrets. The surrounding marshland vegetation provides essential habitat for the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse and Ridgway’s rail.
For more information about the preserve, visit openspace.org/ravenswood.