Welcome to the Friends of Bedwell Bayfront Park website
What's new
Trucks driving through park
For the next 2 years, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge will conduct levee maintenance work at its Ravenswood Ponds in Menlo Park. Trucks will need to drive through the Park entrance and on part of a San Francisco Bay Trail/Park perimeter trail that loops around the edge of the Park to reach Refuge lands. They will use the Park’s front parking area. To protect public safety, the trail segments near the Park entrance will be closed when trucks are present on weekdays, with trails open to the public after 5 p.m. and on weekends. See map and press release for details.
Master Plan for Park
The city approved the Master Plan in November, 2017.
“In the News” link, at left, has recent news articles about the Master Plan.
For more info, see http://www.menlopark.org/1170/Bedwell-Bayfront-Park-Master-Plan-Projec, and https://www.facebook.com/BedwellBayfrontPlan/.
Motor-Driven Aircraft
Drones and radio-controlled aircraft are no longer permitted at the park, per ordinance 8.28.130, Prohibited activity in parks or facilities. The rule reads: “The following activities are prohibited in any park or recreational facility…Motor-driven vehicles or models, including drones and unmanned aircraft systems, except in designated areas, and except for the use of drones by public safety personnel for emergency operations.”
The large sign in the main parking lot, with a map of the park and its trails, which was damaged, has been removed and the city will install a temporary kiosk.
Special Alerts
Do not leave any valuables in view in your car. There have been several recent break-ins at the park, sadly. If possible, put any valuables into your trunk or out of sight before you arrive at the park, so that a thief doesn't see you putting things away.
Leash your dog, please. Park rules require this.
Who to call to report a problem, or to pass on a compliment
- Maintenance (restrooms, trash, something broken): Menlo Park Dept. of Public Works - 650-330-6780
- Illegal or dangerous activities, car break-in: Menlo Park Police Dept. – 911 in an emergency; or if non-emergency call 650-330-6300 (e.g. if gate is locked and your car is still inside)
- Park use & reservations: Menlo Park Community Services - 650-330-2200
- Comments or problems seen in the surrounding salt ponds: Don Edwards S. F. Bay National Wildlife Refuge - 510-792-0222
- Injured animal or bird? Dog running loose with no owner? Lost dog? Call Peninsula Humane Society (PHS) - 650-340-8200 (8 am – 6 pm weekdays, 8 am – 5 pm weekends/holidays. Outside of those hours, call San Mateo County at 650-363-4953).
Always call 911 if there is an emergency or immediate risk of injury.
About us
Our Organization
Formed in 2005 to counter the proposal to develop a golf course at Bayfront Park, Friends of Bedwell Bayfront Park also fought the next plan to put playing fields at the park, culminating in the resounding defeat of Measure J in the November, 2006 election. Our goal now is to ensure that Bedwell Bayfront Park receives more permanent protection as open space for "passive" recreation.
We want to hear from users: tell us what you like, or don't like? Have you observed anything that concerns you? We can't fix all problems, but do try to work with city staff and departments to keep the park clean and safe. We would also like to make a few improvements to the park.
Friends of Bedwell Bayfront Park is fiscally sponsored by the Philanthropic Ventures Foundation http://www.venturesfoundation.org/.
See the Support Us tab for information on donating to Friends of Bedwell Bayfront Park.
Our Mission
The mission of the Friends of Bedwell Bayfront Park is to enhance the unique open space of Bedwell Bayfront Park and to promote it regionally now and for future generations.
Contacts
The Friends of Bedwell Bayfront Park operates out of Menlo Park, California. View our contact information or follow us on 
Facebook (Bedwell Bayfront Park).
About Bedwell Bayfront Park
Location and Hours of Operation
Park opens daily at 7:00 a.m.
Park closes at:
6:00 pm January & February
7:00 pm March
8:00 pm April
8:30 pm May
9:00 pm June & July
8:30 pm August
8:00 pm September
7:00 pm October
6:00 pm November
5:30 pm December
Facilities
Paved parking lot
Restrooms
Trails: mostly unpaved. Perimeter is flat, but there are steep trails in the interior.
Link here to park brochure with map
Getting There
The park is located on the edge of the San Francisco Bay at Highway 101 and Marsh Road. Here is a street map.
We want your input.
Please email us your feedback or comments on the park maintenance service, or on other issues, and give us your suggestions for enhancing the park for users.
Email to friendsofbayfrontpark@gmail.com.
Friends of Bedwell Bayfront Park