The East Bay Regional Park District has added about 190 acres of new parkland next to Thurgood Marshall Regional Park — Home of the Port Chicago 50, strengthening open space protection and future park connectivity in eastern Contra Costa County.
The newly acquired Britton and Britton properties sit between former Concord Naval Weapons Station lands and the Upper Hess Creek Watershed, creating a continuous stretch of protected open space.
The land includes grasslands, oak woodlands, riparian areas, and a year-round spring and pond that support local wildlife, according to park officials.
The properties were dedicated to the Park District at no cost by West Coast Home Builders Inc. as part of a mitigation agreement tied to planned development under the East Contra Costa Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan, a news release noted.
Park District officials said the acquisition advances long-term conservation goals and potential future connections between Thurgood Marshall Regional Park and Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve.
“This acquisition marks another major step toward creating a connected system of parks that links Thurgood Marshall to Black Diamond Mines, while protecting irreplaceable habitat and open space for future generations,” said Max Korten, acting general manager of the park district.
The land will remain in land bank status while staff evaluates public access, installs fencing and completes cleanup work, park district officials said.
The district used $165,000 in Measure WW funds to cover closing costs and initial safety improvements.
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