San Mateo Central Park

Rich History

Found in downtown San Mateo, California, Central Park spans a generous 16.5 acres of urban greenery. As the first public park in San Mateo County, established back in 1922, it carries quite the backstory. The park wasn't just created from nothing - it was actually the former estate of William Kohl, a sea captain who co-founded the Alaska Commercial Company.

The land's story goes even further back to the mid-19th century when Charles B. Polhemus, a director of the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad, first owned it. In 1874, Captain Kohl scooped up 16 acres and transformed it into a stunning estate complete with exotic trees, an orchard, vineyard, and winding pathways.

After the last Kohl heir passed away in 1921, San Mateo residents voted to turn this private paradise into a public treasure.

A pathway invites visitors deeper into the garden

Historic Elements

Walk through Central Park today and you'll still experience much of the original landscape design, from the meandering paths to many of the trees planted during Kohl's time. Along El Camino Real, you'll spot a 900-foot stone and wrought-iron fence that dates all the way back to the Kohl era.

The old pumphouse stands as the only remaining structure from the original estate, now representing headquarters for the San Mateo Arboretum Society - a fitting continuation of the property's natural legacy.

Traditional stone lantern overlooks serene pond with autumn foliage

Japanese Garden

Perhaps the park's crown jewel is its Japanese Garden, crafted by Nagao Sakurai, a landscape architect who worked at Tokyo's Imperial Palace. This tranquil space includes a granite pagoda, a tea house, a koi pond, and a bamboo grove.

In the garden, you can watch koi fish swimming or spot turtles sunning themselves by the pond. It's free to visit and open daily from 8am to 5pm.

If you're planning a visit, the garden is particularly magical in late winter and early spring when cherry blossoms paint the landscape in delicate pink hues.

Shaded pathway winds through bamboo grove

Rose Garden and Arboretum

The park's Rose Garden features roses in various shades and colors that are especially vibrant during blooming season. Next door, the Arboretum houses a nursery and greenhouse where you can purchase plants or join classes to hone your gardening skills.

These well-maintained gardens offer a quiet retreat from downtown's bustle.

Arching trees frame the peaceful garden pond view

Recreation Facilities

Central Park offers options for both activity and relaxation. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy tennis courts, a baseball field with lights for evening games, and newly added pickleball courts. Kids will love the spacious playground area with separate structures designed for different age groups.

The expansive grassy areas are meant for spreading out a blanket, having a picnic, or just cloud-watching. You can find BBQ grills and plenty of picnic tables around the park (first-come, first-served), making it ideal for family gatherings or celebrations with friends.

Dog owners will appreciate the designated pet-friendly area near the Rose Garden, but note that your furry friends need to stay leashed in most parts of the park.

Community Events and Facilities

Central Park really comes alive with community events all year long. You can catch live performances during the Central Park Music Series, join 4th of July celebrations, or hunt for eggs at the spring Eggstravaganza. Winter brings a seasonal ice skating rink that's popular with visitors of all ages.

The park's recreation center offers aerobic classes and space you can rent for events. There's also a senior activity center and a pottery studio to serve diverse community interests.

One of the park's biggest perks is its location right next to downtown San Mateo, surrounded by restaurants and cafes - great for grabbing a bite before or after your park adventure.

Rustic wooden bridge crosses over the pond

Future Plans

Central Park continues to evolve with the times. A new Master Plan approved in 2018 includes playground renovations, installation of a Fallen Heroes Memorial, and future projects to relocate the tennis courts and build a new community center. This historic park continues to evolve to meet community needs.