If you have ever hiked the trails near Mount Diablo, let your kids splash around at a regional swim area or simply watched the sun set over the East Bay hills, you already know what a gift these spaces are. Now the organization working behind the scenes to protect and enhance those experiences has just unveiled an ambitious new vision for the next five years.
The Regional Parks Foundation, the philanthropic partner of the East Bay Regional Park District, has released its Strategic Plan for 2026 through 2030. For over 55 years this nonprofit has been the fundraising engine behind one of the largest regional park systems in the country — 73 parks, more than 126,000 acres, 1,330 miles of trails and 55 miles of shoreline. The Foundation funds projects, supports programs that increase equitable access and invests in stewardship initiatives that protect the natural resources we all love.
What Is Changing
The new plan revolves around three pillars that will have real impact on how we experience our parks.
The Foundation is significantly expanding its fundraising capacity, hiring dedicated staff and diversifying its revenue so more resources can flow directly to park improvements and capital projects beyond what tax dollars alone can provide.
On the community side things get exciting. A brand new membership program will invite residents into the life of the parks as ambassadors, advocates and volunteers — not just parking pass holders. Expect more community events, volunteer led nature walks, behind the scenes park experiences and even park themed merchandise. A full rebrand and expanded social media presence means you will be hearing a lot more from the
Foundation in the coming months.
And over the next five years the Foundation plans to make strategic investments in high priority projects including capital improvements, youth development programs, land acquisitions and expanded support for organizations connecting people to the outdoors. Looking further ahead the Foundation hopes to launch major capital campaigns in the five to thirty million dollar range for truly transformational park projects.
How You Can Get Involved
Whether you want to support, volunteer or simply spread the word about our incredible parks, there is a place for you in this story. Visit regionalparksfoundation.org to learn more. The trail ahead is a promising one.
Submitted by Kendra Strey, Communications and Outreach Manager