In 1972, the Niles Sand and Gravel Company sued the Alameda County Water District, arguing that its groundwater recharge program constituted a damaging of their ability to use the quarry.

Horseshoe Lake also includes a swimming complex and a pier for boating, although no gasoline motors are allowed to avoid water contamination.

[7] As one of few riparian zones in a near-natural state along Alameda Creek, Quarry Lakes serves an important role in harboring migratory birds.

Thanks to restoration projects in the park, the area has attracted wood ducks, great blue herons, snowy egrets, and other water birds.

Nesting boxes and berry planting have also brought smaller birds like tree swallows, northern flickers, and salt marsh yellowthroats.