Parks

Director's Message

On July 4, 1924, 1,500 people gathered under the towering redwood trees in Loma Mar to memorialize those who had fallen in World War I which ended six years earlier.

It was a well-suited location to accept serenity and appreciate the sounds of Pescadero Creek and silence of a forest.

That day was an important point in history when Memorial Park was dedicated and opened to the public. Since then, generations of families and friends have returned year after year to enjoy each other’s company, celebrate accomplishments, make life-long memories, and soak in the awe-inspiring surroundings. Today some think of it as nature bathing. Whatever term you prefer, we know it calms, restores and galvanizes.

Also, on that day a century ago, the San Mateo County Parks Department was created. Today, we manage 24 parks and close to 16,000 acres as part of a system that serves nearly 3 million visitors annually.

Ensuring we continue to offer outdoor experiences and protect and preserve these parklands for future generations is the Department’s mission and what motivates San Mateo County Parks’ staff.

Parks Director, Nicholas Calderon

We’re working to make the outdoors a welcoming place for all by offering access to parks in varying environments and expanding facilities, services, and programs. We’re rising to meet evolving recreational interests while also making sure the redwoods, grand oaks, ocean views, and protected species remain and thrive.

If it’s been a while since you’ve spent time in a San Mateo County park, this is the year to do it and celebrate the great outdoors with us at one or all four of the special events planned this year.

By the end of this year, we will have started the renovation of Flood Park, our second oldest park, begun to draft designs to revitalize the Coyote Point Recreation Area, and opened Tunitas Creek Beach. It will be a grand start to the next 100 years.

On behalf of park staff, I thank San Mateo County residents and visitors for your many years of support and the opportunity to serve you. We look forward to seeing you in a county park soon!