We, members of the Coastside and San Mateo County community, call for Fitzgerald Marine Reserve to be reopened to the public immediately, including Seal Cove Beach.

This special place is a valued part of coastal living. It has remained closed for almost one year, closing initially due to Covid lockdowns. But while other parks have long since fully and safely reopened, Fitzgerald remains closed.

Our taxes pay for this public reserve and we insist that public spaces must remain available for public use.

And to the extent that SMC Parks staffing is a perceived constraint to reopening while preserving the natural beauty and wildlife of this reserve, we believe the park should still be opened immediately with the local community helping fill that gap through volunteer docent program, community watch programs, and volunteer cleanup days.

Many of us who live nearby would be willing to take greater responsibility to help.