July 18, 2006 > Vargas Plateau Planning Meeting

by Judy King

The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) held a Public Open House and Environmental Scoping meeting, Wednesday, July 12 at the Fremont Community Center regarding a proposed plan for Vargas Plateau Regional Park on the 1,000-acre Vargas Plateau. This area lies high in the hills of Fremont between Niles Canyon and Morrison Canyon roads.

EBRPD mailed 700 requests to residents regarding this meeting so interest was high and the community center was filled to capacity. Comment forms were issued for residents to fill out and return after the meeting regarding the proposed plan. The EBRPD will review these and another meeting will be scheduled this fall.

Introductions and opening remarks were made by Bryan Wiese, chief of Planning and Stewardship. Ayn Wieskamp, EBRPD board member greeted the audience. Presentation was given by Dan Sykes, senior Park Planner. Also in attendance were Fremont councilmen Bob Weiskowski and Steve Cho.

According to the presentation, the park concept is to provide open spaces, diverse outdoor recreations, hiking, multi-use trails, camping opportunities, backpacking trails, picnicking, while providing restrooms and water facilities, parking, and other amenities. Plan proposal includes ranger staff monitoring, patrol of park areas and a park curfew from dusk to dawn. The proposed plan will preserve natural wildlife habitat, preserve resources, respect land management, infrastructure, and property, while providing safe outdoor recreation.

It was noted that this land has been inhabited for thousands of years according to artifacts found in the area. Views from the plateau are spectacular including Coyote Hills, Union City, Fremont and other scenic San Francisco Bay views. For more information about the new park, visit www.ebparks.org.