Redwood Shores Lagoon

Overview - The Redwood Shores area of Redwood City is located on the Redwood peninsula, which is bounded by Belmont Slough to the north, San Francisco Bay to the east, Steinberger Slough to the south, and the Bayshore Freeway to the west. Levees ring this peninsula, since the ground elevations are below that of the higher tides. Within the interior of the Redwood Peninsula lies Redwood Shores Lagoon.

The lagoon is a focal point of the housing and retail development in Redwood Shores, and contributes to the area's visual aesthetics, aquatic habitat, and recreation (boating, swimming, and windsurfing). The lagoon serves as a stormwater retention pond, storing surface runoff during periods of high tide in San Francisco Bay. The City's Community Develolpment Department/Public Works Division manages the overall operation and maintenance of the lagoon, in cooperation with the City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, and county, state, and federal oversight agencies.

Map - Click here to view a map of Redwood Shores; you can zoom-in to the lagoon.

Redwood Shores Lagoon Management Plan - The San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Water Board) provides guidelines for the responsible management of lagoons such as the Redwood Shores Lagoon, and may require that a lagoon management plan be prepared. The Redwood Shores Lagoon Management Plan serves as an operations manual for City staff, as well as to inform the Board about the protection of the lagoon and contiguous waters.

Redwood Shores Lagoon Bank Policy - The Redwood Shores Lagoon Bank Policy and Construction Guidelines is a set of policies to help foster the long-term health and vitality of the lagoon, the value of the adjacent properties, and the overall attraction and beauty that makes Redwood Shores such a unique place.

Water Quality Testing Reports - Redwood City performs water quality monitoring of the Redwood Shores Lagoon and periodically produces Water Quality Testing Reports. Also see Annual State Reports.

The City's Community Development Department/Public Works Division is responsible for maintaining the water quality of the waterway under the regulatory authority of the Regional Water Board. Water quality is maintained by applying pesticide treatments to algae blooms and widgeon grass, as well as by mechanical harvesting of widgeon grass.

Links - Here are links to two associations active in Redwood Shores and with an interest in the protection of the lagoon, as well as to a County agency involved in preventing water pollution.

• Redwood Shores Community Association - represents the interests of homeowners, of renters and other residents, and of businesses in Redwood Shores.
  
• Redwood Shores Owners Association - the "umbrella" home owners association for all residential developments built in Redwood Shores since 1981.
• Flows to Bay.org - the San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program

Recreation - while the Redwood Shores lagoon functions as a stormwater retention pond, it also provides a beautiful backdrop to the homes there, and offers residents numerous recreational opportunities:

Boating on the lagoon is available for residents only and/or by permission of the Redwood Shores Community Association; no gas powered boats are allowed.

Swimming is allowed, but at your own risk. Be watchful for notices of "crew" and rowing team practices and meets.

Fishing is allowed only with a State Fish and Game permit; restrictions by homeowners associations may be in place; no fishing from City parks.

Marlin Park

Shorebird Park

Shannon Park