EBRPD -- The East Bay Regional Park District notes with sadness the recent death of Hulet Hornbeck, 92, former Chief of Land Acquisition, East Bay Regional Park District and longtime advocate for parks and recreational trails.

Hulet enjoyed a distinguished career as Chief of Land Acquisition of the East Bay Regional Park District from 1965 through 1985, serving legendary leaders William Penn Mott and Richard Trudeau. Hulet is credited with overseeing the acquisition of 49,000 acres of parkland, expanding the District’s land holdings from eight parks (13,000 acres) to 46 parks (62,000 acres) thus securing the unique position that the East Bay Regional Park District still enjoys today as being the largest regional park system in the nation.

An obituary in the Contra Costa Times said Hornbeck began his parks career at age 46, after a doctor mistakenly told him that skin cancer would kill him in five years -- and he ironically went on to live another 46 years.

Robert Doyle, who now serves as the general manager of the East Bay Regional Park District and worked for many years with Hulet Hornbeck, considered him a mentor.

"Hulet shared a vision of growth for the Park District, and he knew how to carry it out . . .  He had a sharp legal mind; even at 92, he was still giving advice," said Doyle.

Doyle also credits Hornbeck with envisioning the Park District’s interconnected trail system which, at over 200 miles, is now a national model in urban planning.

A lifetime conservationist and outdoorsman, Hulet held many positions in local trail and conservation organizations, receiving many honors and awards.

East Bay Regional Park District Board Member, Ted Radke who has served on the board for over 30 years worked directly with Hornbeck.

“It really was his integrity that is most memorable," Radke says. "He set the tone for the District which is still reflective in everything this agency does.”

In recognition of his tireless efforts, the California Riding and Hiking Trail segment in Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline was renamed in honor of Hulet Hornbeck. The Hulet Hornbeck Trail was dedicated on October 14, 2005 on the occasion of his birthday.

Our friends at American Trails have created a lovely dedication to Hulet Hornbeck where visitors can leave messages. We encourage you to visit at http://americantrails.wordpress.com/2012/01/07/we-lost-a-friend-and-a-legend-today-hulet-hornbeck/.

The East Bay Regional Park District will host a celebration of Hulet Hornbeck’s life and achievements on February 26, 2012, 11:00 a.m. at  East Bay Regional Park District's Tilden Park on Wildcat Canyon Road at Shasta Road, Berkeley, California in the Brazilian Room.

Driving Directions: http://www.ebparks.org/activities/corpfamily/br/br#directions

In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to one or more of the following organizations in Hulet's memory.
• Regional Parks Foundation: for a memorial bench to be placed in Briones Regional Park in Hulet's name: P.O. Box 21074 Crestmont Station, Oakland, CA 94620
• American Trails: P.O. Box 49197 Redding, CA 96049-1797
• Save Mt. Diablo: 1901 Olympic Blvd., Suite 320, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

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