Isherwood Park (located at Isherwood Way and Quarry Lakes Drive) is now temporarily closed through the winter for necessary improvements and maintenance. The goals of this work are to improve and protect the park’s waterway from environmental hazards, reduce fire risks, and restore park and trail access for all visitors. Planning for the temporary closure of the park began in mid-2025 and is a joint effort of the City of Fremont, the City of Union City, the Alameda County Water District, and East Bay Regional Parks.

As part of the park closure, the City of Fremont and the City of Union City are providing relocation support to everyone currently residing in Isherwood Park, working closely with partnering nonprofit service providers. The park closure is being implemented in phases to ensure that everyone receives the relocation support they need before the park fully closes on November 14. These efforts are being conducted in accordance with the City’s standard municipal code, Section 12.20 Parks and Recreation Areas, which generally prohibits remaining in the park overnight.

A team of staff, service providers, and volunteers have been visiting Isherwood Park several times a week since May 2025 to conduct outreach and provide information. Everyone residing in the park is being offered transitional housing and shelter options in Fremont. These options include the City’s Housing Navigation Center (HNC) and Winter Relief Program. Typical stays in these programs span five to six months (sometimes longer) and include supportive, wrap-around services aimed at helping participants find stable housing. Services include nightly meals, enrollment in Alameda County’s Coordinated Entry System for access to affordable housing options, referrals to other supportive services, and pet care if needed. Approximately 40 individuals have been successfully connected to services and at this point, approximately half have transitioned to either the HNC or the Winter Relief Program.

The City has operated winter shelter programs for over 10 years, transitioning from a congregate overnight Warming Center at the Age Well Center to the current non-congregate Winter Relief Program utilizing motel rooms. In 2023, the City experimented by expanding the Winter Relief Program, through one-time funding sources, to humanely resolve the large, entrenched encampment at Vallejo Mill Historic Park. During that effort, 46% of participants transitioned out of the Winter Relief Program into housing, shelter, or the City’s Safe Parking Program. This was the highest success rate the City had experienced and has become a model the City is trying once again. The City expects to utilize approximately $650,000 of this year’s Winter Relief Program funding to support and stabilize the 40+ individuals residing at Isherwood Park.

The City understands that this closure may be challenging for those currently residing in the park and remains committed to providing relocation support, with the ultimate goal of helping to connect individuals with stable housing opportunities.

Relocation Information & Resources

Park Closure Information