FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Natalie Jolly
650-625-6584, njolly@openspace.org
Midpen debuts neighborhood access point to Ravenswood Open Space Preserve in East Palo Alto
Los Altos, CA — The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) has announced the opening of a new neighborhood access gate to Ravenswood Open Space Preserve, improving connectivity and expanding nature access for East Palo Alto residents.
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, supporting equitable access to open space. 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 on Saturday, April 4, celebrating the opening of the new access point. Midpen Ward 5 Board Member Karen Holman joined East Palo Alto Mayor Webster Lincoln in cutting the ceremonial ribbon, marking the official opening of this highly anticipated access point.
“This new access point to Ravenswood Open Space Preserve marks an exciting step forward for Midpen, our partners and the East Palo Alto community,” said Brian Malone, Assistant General Manager of Midpen. “It provides safe, convenient access to the Bay Trail and open space, strengthening connections to nature and supporting the health and wellbeing of local residents. We’re proud to collaborate on this project that balances accessibility with environmental care.”
The new entryway, which was completed at the end of March 2026, includes a solar-powered automatic pedestrian gate, security fencing, a sidewalk extension, drainage improvements and clear trail signage. The project aligns with regional efforts to expand public access to Bayside open space, and fulfills a key priority identified in the City of East Palo Alto’s Parks Master Plan to improve connectivity to the Bay Trail for city residents. The automated gate is designed to balance accessibility with safety requirements, as it complies with San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) requirements to secure the Bay Trail outside operating hours (10 p.m. – 5 a.m.), while maintaining convenient daytime access for the public.
“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 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 important natural resources and recreational opportunities in the area. Midpen will continue to engage with the community to ensure that the access point meets neighborhood needs and supports ecologically sensitive outdoor recreation and wellbeing.
“Ravenswood Preserve is a crucial refuge along the Pacific Flyway, home to many migratory birds and unique wildlife,” said Steven Johnson, Midpen Lead Ranger. “Opening access here allows the community to experience this incredible natural treasure while helping protect its delicate habitats for years to come.”
Located within the wetlands of the San Francisco Bay, the 376-acre Ravenswood Open Space Preserve offers expansive bayfront views, abundant wildlife and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities. The preserve is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including migrating shorebirds, such as dowitchers, American avocets and terns. Visitors also frequently spot great blue herons, white pelicans and egrets throughout the year. The surrounding marshland vegetation also provides essential habitat for the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse and Ridgway's rail.
For more information about the preserve, visit openspace.org/ravenswood
For more information about Midpen, visit openspace.org/media-kit