Save Water Access for Dogs at North Point Isabel! Submit Comments by October 20
The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) recently published plans for a major maintenance project on North Point Isabel. The project proposes to improve the area with contouring, vista points, meandering paths, places to sit, and areas landscaped with native plants. But park users could miss the fun of seeing their dogs swim or play in Hoffman Bay at high tide because the plans call for Hoffman Bay to be completely fenced off.
You have until 5 p.m. on October 20, 2025, to submit comments about the proposed project by email to kthai@ebparks.org. If you’d rather send your comments in writing, mail them to Kim Thai, East Bay Regional Park District, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605-0381. Please email a copy of your comments to pointisabelfriends@gmail.com and read on for details.
Background
North Point Isabel lies north of Hoffman Channel, across the footbridge from Point Isabel Regional Shoreline proper. Currently the same dog management rules apply to both areas. This means dogs may roam off-leash but owners must maintain voice control, keep dogs within sight, carry a leash or leashes, and clean up after them. Dogs must be on leash in parking lots and near developed areas like picnic tables, and owners must prevent their dogs from digging or damaging park resources or wildlife.
North Point Isabel was heavily contaminated with lead in the 1960s and remediated in the mid-1980s. Now the clay cap that seals residual toxins in the landfill needs repair. The proposed project will also fortify North Point Isabel against sea level rise. It is slated to begin in 2027 and could take up to 24 months. Point Isabel Regional Shoreline, the half of the park south of Hoffman Channel, will remain open during that time.
Hoffman Bay is the 30- to 40-acre cove along the northern edge of North Point Isabel, where resident and migratory birds rest, fish, and feed in the mudflats at low tide. The possibility of dogs disturbing birds there has been a flashpoint for years.
But countless people and dogs have responsibly enjoyed Hoffman Bay since long before North Point Isabel became part of Eastshore State Park in 2002. Jean Siri, an activist and recreational dog walker who went on to become an East Bay Regional Park District director, was one of the first to report the battery casings that contaminated the area with lead. That was in 1972, more than 50 years ago.
New Project Would Fence Off Bay
Fencing off Hoffman Bay after more than 50 years would be a significant change of use for this area. It is also likely to have unintended consequences if frustrated dog owners seek out alternative shoreline areas where dogs should not be. Park users need a constructive dialogue with the East Bay Regional Park District about how and where water access on North Point Isabel can be accommodated for dogs and people.
It’s worth noting that an EBRPD park improvement proposal just a few years ago included a new ramp halfway along Hoffman Channel specifically for dogs. Recreational dog walkers have also suggested creating better, safer water access to San Francisco Bay from the tip of the North Point Isabel peninsula. A ramp or steps near the small picnic area at the mouth of Hoffman Channel could draw park users away from more sensitive areas.
A ramp to San Francisco Bay would be nothing new. Two already exist on the south side of the park, including the watersports launch opposite Mudpuppy’s Tub & Scrub and an emergency egress ramp near the mouth of Hoffman Channel.
Submit Your Comments Now
If you would like the East Bay Regional Park District to explore options and compromises that preserve recreational access for dogs to the water from North Point Isabel, now’s the time to speak up. Again, the deadline for comments is 5 p.m., October 20. Submit comments by email to kthai@ebparks.org or mail them to Kim Thai, East Bay Regional Park District, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605-0381. Also, please email a copy of your comments to pointisabelfriends@gmail.com.