Our Commitment to Community

The SPHERE Institute is committed to improving the health and well-being of our communities.

In our local community of Burlingame, California, public open space is limited by extensive development along the San Francisco Bay. Residents and visitors have few opportunities to benefit from access to nature, which is tied to immediate, positive public health outcomes.

A 9.4-acre vacant parcel owned by the California State Lands Commission sits adjacent to The SPHERE Institute’s headquarters and presents an opportunity to create new open space for public benefit. By leveraging public and private grant funds, SPHERE and project partners have developed a comprehensive restoration and management plan to transform the parcel into a nature and recreation park for public enjoyment as part of the Bay Rise Park project. Bay Rise Park will serve as a natural oasis for visitors by providing much-needed facilities for recreation, education, and events. The project will also restore the local ecosystem's natural progression from Bay to uplands, providing critical habitat for wildlife and demonstrating an innovative, nature-based approach to sea level rise adaptation.

The park is currently in the design and approvals stage. Construction is expected to begin in 2024, with opening anticipated in 2027.

Please visit the Bay Rise Park website for more information: