HDR-Designed Gilead Park Wins Northern California ASLA Biodiversity Award

Gilead Park has been awarded the inaugural Biodiversity and Climate Action Award by the Northern California Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, recognizing its transformation from a 739-space parking lot into a sustainable, biodiverse public space.

Located on the Gilead Sciences campus in Foster City, California, the 5.35-acre park was designed by HDR and local landscape architecture firm Carducci Associates to promote employee wellness, environmental stewardship and community engagement. It features five distinct zones, including a central gathering space, event promenade, woodland gardens, amphitheater and recreation lawns. 

The project earned SITES Gold certification for its sustainable design features, including stormwater bioswales capable of managing more than 43,000 gallons of water, a 51% reduction in irrigation use and a 412% increase in biomass density. All plant species are native or adapted to the region, and the park is maintained using organic practices with all green waste composted on-site.

The ASLA jury praised the park’s climate resilience, biodiversity signage and long-term commitment to sustainability. The park is expected to sequester more than 1.35 million kilograms of carbon dioxide over the next 60 years and operates entirely on renewable energy.

Gilead Park is one of two projects to receive the new award, which highlights leadership in climate adaptation and biodiversity in landscape architecture.