Attention Recreational Water Users Who Utilize Baywinds Park for Access
The City, the Levee Improvements Project team, and the contractor (Shimmick) have been working together to provide accommodations for recreational water users’ access from Baywinds Park during construction.
There will be no shoreline access beyond the beach to the San Mateo Bridge, and no special shoreline return/exit points (except for emergencies) as this section will remain an active construction area. Because of this it is crucial that recreational water users return to Baywinds Park or the beach when exiting the water. This is an important safety measure. We are asking representatives of the boarding community to encourage all new or beginning boarders to not enter the water if they cannot be certain they will be able to exit at those identified points only.
In September 2021, the contractor began work along the portion of Lakeside Drive just west of Baywinds Park, which resulted in the removal of some parking along that section of the street.
As of April 27, construction for the public water access ramp at Baywinds Park has been completed and is open for public access.
The Contractor has been in contact with Foster City Fire and Rescue teams regarding emergency access during project construction. There will be an access point available in the event of emergencies only, which cannot be used for recreational egress.
Beach Area Closure in effect as of June 15, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
As of April 27, construction for the public water access ramp at Baywinds Park has been completed and is open for public access.
The contractor is scheduled to conduct significant work on Access Point 3 in the Baywinds Park area from June 15 – August 15. Work will require fencing placement and beach access restrictions. The contractor has provided a 30-day notice before that work begins, and signage has been posted in the area.
[Updated 5/25/23]
There will be an increase in trucking and construction activity in the Phase 3 area of the project as the contractor begins excavation of retaining walls in the area. In addition, the contractor is expecting to perform work in the area west of the Mariners Point parking lot by the beginning of October 2021. Please note that signage will be posted in the area 30 days prior to construction taking place.
[ Updated 4/9/21]
Permanent sheet pile installation and grading on all city-owned and permitted areas are finished which means the City is one step closer to project completion and an upgraded levee wall structure (learn more). There is only one area between Baffin Street and Port Royal Park in the Phase 1 area of the project where this type of work remains to be done.
Though the permanent sheet piles have been installed and graded, there will still be other construction activities within the project area (e.g. concrete cap work) and the contractor may revisit sections of the sheet piles throughout the duration of the project. For the latest information on construction activity, residents are encouraged to subscribe to our weekly construction updates, which can also be reviewed on the News section of the website.
[ Updated 7/21/21]
In general, the project team advises recreational water users to remember that the area, formerly the bay trail, is an active construction zone. If you find yourself unable to surf your way back to Baywinds Park and end up beached north of the bridge and are un-injured, we recommend that you safely find your way back to Baywinds Park. If you can walk back safely while staying outside of the construction zone, you should do so. Be advised that during active construction hours, the site is dangerous and needs to be avoided. We encourage you to always be prepared in the event of an unforeseen incident. If you are in distress and unable to self-rescue, you should call 911.
[Updated 6/3/21]
In general, the project team advises recreational water users to remember that the area, formerly the bay trail, is an active construction zone. If you find yourself unable to surf your way back to Bay Winds Park and end up beached north of the bridge and are un-injured, we recommend that you safely find your way back to Bay Winds Park. If you can walk back safely while staying outside of the construction zone, you should do so. Be advised that during active construction hours, the site is dangerous and needs to be avoided. We encourage you to always be prepared in the event of an unforeseen incident. If you are in distress and unable to self-rescue, you should call 911.
[Updated 6/3/21]
The Fire Department will launch from Coyote Point, as they currently do when there is insufficient water at Baywinds. Additional resources may be launched from South San Francisco FD and Redwood City FD.
[Updated 6/3/21]
The rescuee should be prepared to provide their location using landmarks or gps coordinates, relay information on their physical condition pertaining to any injuries they might have and report as to whether or not they are wearing a personal flotation device (PFD). They should also identify as to whether they have proper thermal protection and how many people are in the water needing rescue.
[Updated 6/3/21]
When giving their location in relation to the bridge it’s important that the rescuee identify their location as either San Francisco side or San Jose side of the San Mateo Bridge.
In addition, the City is working with the contractor to have colored banners installed at boat ramps to further help rescuees identify their locations. Once the colored banners are installed, a rescuee will be able to share the color(s) of the closest flag(s) to help rescue workers reach them.
[Updated 6/3/21]
The rescuee should identify their location using any available visible landmarks in their immediate proximity or distance from identifiable landmarks (i.e. “I’m located ½ mile from the San Francisco side of the San Mateo Bridge on the shore on the Baywinds park side of the bay”).
In addition, the City is working with the contractor to have colored banners installed at boat ramps to further help rescuees identify their locations. Once the colored banners are installed, a rescuee will be able to share the color(s) of the closest flag(s) to help rescue workers reach them.
[Updated 6/3/21]
The contractor will be performing work parallel to Lakeside Drive, which will impact parking space along a portion of the street. This work is anticipated to begin in late September 2021. Please see the maps below.
[Updated 8/26/21]
The construction team intends to grind out the old path and prep it for construction. There are flood protection elements that need to be constructed adjacent to the Mariner’s Point parking lot.
Work will be taking place for flood wall construction adjacent to that area, though work will likely not take place this year. However, as with the rest of the construction schedule, timing is subject to change. Further noticing will take place once the contractor plans to begin construction in the area.
[Updated 6/3/21]
If there is an emergency call 911. The contractor has been in contact with Foster City Fire and Rescue teams regarding emergency access during project construction. There will be an access point available in the event of emergencies only, which cannot be used for recreational egress. The emergency gate placement will be on 3rd Ave between Foster City Blvd. and Lincoln Center Dr.
They will be placing orange flags on the access gate that will give Fire and Rescue access directly from E. 3rd Ave, should they need to perform any sort of water rescue. Fire & Rescue will have a key to that gate so they can respond to a 911 emergency call, and their dispatch can tell the responders to go to the ”Orange Gate.”
[Updated 6/3/21]
In general, the project team advises recreational water users to remember that the area, formerly the Bay Trail, is an active construction zone. If you find yourself unable to surf your way back to Baywinds Park, end up beached east of the bridge and are un-injured, we recommend that you safely find your way back to Baywinds Park. If you can walk back safely while staying outside of the construction zone, you should do so. Be advised that during active construction hours, the site is dangerous and needs to be avoided. We encourage you to always be prepared in the event of an unforeseen incident. If you are in distress and unable to self-rescue, you should call 911.
[Updated 6/3/21]
There are no solar call boxes currently onsite. This would not be feasible to maintain inside the active construction zone areas. Nor is it within the contractor’s scope of work or the project budget.
[Updated 6/3/21]