Parks and Open Space Element and Conservation Element Update

Overview of the General Plan  

The City of Foster City Community Development Department is currently updating the Parks and Open Space Element and Conservation Element of the City’s General Plan. The General Plan is the long-term vision for a community’s management of development, services, and natural resources. It guides land use, housing, transportation, open space, and environmental conservation by establishing goals and policies that promote sustainable development, economic vitality, and community well-being while balancing future change with resource protection. 

Purpose of the Parks and Open Space and Conservation Element Updates 

The Parks and Open Space Element identifies, protects, and plans for the enhancement of open spaces like parks and natural areas to provide recreational opportunities, environmental benefits, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents. The Conservation Element focuses on the protection and sustainable management of natural resources and the environment by outlining policies and strategies to conserve wildlife habitats, water, air, and other natural features, ensuring that development occurs in a way that preserves ecological health and supports long-term environmental sustainability. 

These Elements of the General Plan complement one another and are being coordinated with the Parks Master Plan currently in development. These documents all share goals of promoting sustainable land use, outdoor recreation, and environmental stewardship. This coordination helps balance community needs for recreational spaces with the broader goal of conserving natural resources for future generations. 

Several recent pieces of legislation guide the development of these elements, directing the type of information they should contain and how to address overarching themes and connections to other planning frameworks. This update will ensure the elements are in line with these requirements and up to date, as well as aligning them with the ongoing Parks Master Plan development. 

Learn more about the Open Space and Conservation Elements and give your feedback at the upcoming Community Workshop! 

Join us for the second Parks Master Plan Community Workshop on Wednesday, June 18, in the Vibe Teen Center fom 6 p.m.-8 p.m., when you will have the opportunity to provide feedback on proposed improvements and policy recommendations for Foster City’s parks, open spaces, and trails, including park-specific upgrades and strategies to support open space conservation throughout the City. Residents are invited to attend the full two-hour session or drop in at their leisure.

Please note that this event will take place at the same time as Off the Grid in Leo J Ryan Park, so parking may be limited. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, grab food from the food trucks, then attend the workshop. Light refreshments will be available at The Vibe as well. We hope to see you there!

Relationship to the Parks Master Plan 

The Parks & Recreation Department has launched a Park Master Plan to guide the development, maintenance, and funding of the community’s parks and recreational facilities and programs. The Parks Master Plan is being closely coordinated with the update of the Parks and Open Space Element and Conservation Element. The Elements serve as a high level, long-term vision for parks, open space, and natural resources in Foster City, while the Parks Master Plan will be a more detailed implementation tool for achieving specific actions to manage and improve parks in the city. 

Parks Master Plan vs. General Plan Parks and Open Space and Conservation Elements 

Get involved 

A variety of community engagement events will take place throughout this process -- granting community members an opportunity to share their thoughts on this critical initiative. Please continue checking this space below for more details as they become available, or sign up for email notifications to be alerted as this program evolves. 

Project schedule

Additional project resources 

• Existing City plans and programs 
  • Chapter 5 - Parks and Open Space Element 
  • Parks Master Plan (in progress)
  • Foster City community profile
  • Foster City snapshot 
  • Climate Action Plan (2024 update) 
• Other material  
  • General Plan guidelines for required elements 
  • Senate Bill 1425
  • Assembly Bill 1889
  • Endangered Species Act
  • Migratory Bird Treaty Act 
  • Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act 
  • California Coastal Act 

Supporting Materials 

Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Committee joint study session on Thursday, May 15: 

• Meeting packet (Staff report, Community assessment, Open Space and Conservation assessment, Parks and Rec assessment, public meeting notes, joint Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Committee session minutes from meeting on March 20, 2025. 

Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Committee study session on Thursday, March 20: 

• Meeting packet (Staff report, presentation, and timeline)

City Council meeting on Monday, March 17: 

• Meeting packet (Staff report, presentation)