Candlestick Point State Recreation Area (or simply Candlestick Point) is a protected area located at the southeastern tip of San Francisco, California facing San Francisco Bay, north of Sierra Point, Brisbane, California. This landfilled area was going to be used by the United States Navy back in World War II as a shipyard. However, it was abandoned as the war ended. Without government controls, the area was used by nearby residences as a garbage dump. In 1973, the California State Legislature purchased the land with $10 million and in 1977 voted to turn this area to a state recreation area. After the designation, Candlestick became the first urban recreation area in the state. To this day, Candlestick remains as a major recreation area in San Francisco, offering stunning view of the bay. The park features various picnic areas, two fishing piers, fitness courses as well as hiking trails. This park is also a popular area for windsurfing because of strong wind.

Candlestick Park the current stadium of the San Francisco 49ers, is also located next to Candlestick Point.

Its name is derived from nineteenth century locals who thought the burning of nearby abandoned ships and their flaming masts in the bay resembled lighted candlesticks.

Proposed park closures reversed

Candlestick Point was one of the 48 California state parks that were proposed for closure in January 2008 by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as part of a deficit reduction effort.

In May 2008, the governor unveiled his revised proposal that would reverse a proposal made in January to dismiss employees and close 48 parks and beaches, including nine in the Bay Area. The plan now is to cut $1.5 million out of the parks budget and make that up by raising entrance fees a maximum of $2. Revenue also could be raised through cabin rentals and fees at new campgrounds.

References

1. Candlestick, California State Park Foundation.
2. Candlestick Point SRA profile, California State Park
3. CBS5.com: List Of Calif. Parks To Close In Budget Proposal
4. San Francisco Chronicle:Reversal on park cuts