Shoreline at Mountain View

Shoreline at Mountain View
Name	Shoreline at Mountain View
Location	Mountain View, Santa Clara County, California
Coordinates	37.424, -122.080, type:landmark_region:US-CA
Area	~750 acres
Created	1983
Operator	City of Mountain View

Shoreline at Mountain View. A major public recreation area and environmental preserve situated on the southern shores of the San Francisco Bay. Developed from former salt evaporation ponds and landfill, it is renowned for its large lake, extensive trail network, and a championship golf course. The park serves as a critical habitat for migratory birds and a central recreational hub for the San Francisco Peninsula and the broader Silicon Valley region.

Geography and location

The park encompasses approximately 750 acres at the edge of the San Francisco Bay, directly adjacent to the Moffett Federal Airfield and the NASA Ames Research Center. Its central feature is a 50-acre man-made lake, Shoreline Lake, which is connected to the larger Stevens Creek tidal marsh restoration area. The landscape is characterized by flat, open spaces, saltwater marshes, and engineered hills that were formed from capped landfill material, offering panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Diablo Range. Its location places it within the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge complex and near major technology campuses like those of Google and Microsoft.

History and development

The land was historically part of the vast tidal marshes of the San Francisco Bay, used later for industrial salt production by companies like Leslie Salt Company. In the mid-20th century, a significant portion was operated as the Mountain View Landfill by the City of San Jose. Following the landfill's closure, a major reclamation project began in the early 1980s, master-planned by architects such as Robert L. Perron. The park officially opened in 1983, with ongoing expansions and habitat restoration projects managed in cooperation with the California Coastal Conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The development transformed a blighted area into a model for brownfield redevelopment and environmental engineering.

Features and amenities

Key facilities include the Shoreline Amphitheatre, a large outdoor concert venue operated by Live Nation Entertainment. The park offers the Shoreline Golf Links, an 18-hole public course designed by Robert Trent Jones II, and the Shoreline Lake boathouse, which provides sailing and windsurfing rentals. Other amenities encompass multiple picnic areas, the Shoreline Park Athletic Fields, and the Michael's at Shoreline restaurant. An extensive multi-use trail system connects to the Bay Trail, allowing for cycling, jogging, and walking with views of the Dumbarton Bridge and the Dumbarton Rail Bridge.

Environmental aspects

The area is a vital link in the Pacific Flyway, providing resting and feeding grounds for species like the American avocet, the California gull, and the salt marsh harvest mouse. The Stevens Creek tidal marsh is a focused restoration area aimed at improving water quality and native habitat. Park management practices emphasize sustainable operations, including the use of reclaimed water for irrigation and the generation of methane gas from the decomposing landfill to power facilities like the Shoreline Amphitheatre. These efforts are monitored in partnership with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory.

Economic and community role

The park is a significant economic driver for Mountain View, attracting millions of visitors annually to events at the Shoreline Amphitheatre, which hosts performances by major artists and festivals like the Vans Warped Tour. It enhances the quality of life for employees of neighboring corporations like LinkedIn and Symantec, and hosts community events such as the Mountain View Art and Wine Festival. The park's success has influenced waterfront development policies throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and is studied by urban planners from institutions like the University of California, Berkeley.

Transportation and access

Primary vehicular access is via Shoreline Boulevard, with connections to U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 85. The area is served by the Mountain View Transit Center and VTA bus lines, with the Caltrain station providing regional rail service. The Bay Trail offers non-motorized access from communities like Palo Alto and Sunnyvale. The nearby Moffett Field runways are utilized by NASA and Planetary Ventures, while the Shoreline Amphitheatre manages significant traffic control plans for major events in coordination with the California Highway Patrol.

Category:Parks in Santa Clara County, California Category:Protected areas of the San Francisco Bay Area Category:Tourist attractions in Silicon Valley