Preserving Central Park

While the Master Plan does not guarantee improvements as future funding availability will determine what changes can be made, it does provide a clear vision for the 16-acre park nestled against downtown San Mateo.

Principal Planner Julia Klein said “having a current park master plan documents the elements of the park the community values and would like preserved, it identifies elements that are aging and may need to be replaced, it provides a vision for the park’s future as the heart of the city and that may better position the city for future grant opportunities should they become available.”

The city released a mitigated negative declaration that did not find any significant impacts of the proposed general changes. The public comment period is open through Dec. 1. However, Klein anticipated separate project-specific environmental reviews could take place for certain major changes as they’re implemented when funding is available down the road. 

The city conducted extensive community outreach and numerous public meetings before the City Council narrowed in on preferred elements more than a year ago. The new Mater Plan reflects the goals of creating a more park-life feel along Fifth Avenue, preserving historic attributes and offering recreational opportunities, said Parks and Recreation Director Sheila Canzian,

“For many San Mateo residents, Central Park is considered the ‘jewel’ of the city’s park system as it is not only the city’s oldest park, but is one that many associate with cherished memories, such as riding on the children’s train or perhaps getting married in the Japanese Garden,” Canzian said in an email. “The vision is a grand one, but one that befits a ‘grand’ park.”

The proposed plan preserves many existing attributes such as the Kohl Pumphouse, Rose Garden, Fitzgerald Baseball Field and Japanese Garden. The main event lawn, children’s train and, of course, “Leon” the giraffe sculpture would also remain along with various other features.

But the new plan does propose a variety of changes such as new restrooms, multiple playground areas designed for different ages, widened pedestrian paths, and relocating the Rotary Picnic Pavilion. A new, fully underground parking lot has been proposed where the current structure sits. On top would be a new paved plaza offering seating, kiosks for potential vendors and gathering space options. The six tennis courts atop the current partially-underground parking lot would be removed, and replaced with three new courts relocated toward the corner of El Camino Real and Ninth Avenue.

The plans also call for the current recreation center occupied by Self-Help for the Elderly to be replaced with three community buildings totaling about 5,000 square feet, according to the city.

A prime theme during the planning process was to create a better connection between Central Park and downtown. Renovations along Fifth Avenue as well as the new plaza will provide a welcoming entry to visitors, said Councilwoman Maureen Freschet. The park has served as a source of enjoyment for many and Freschet said she hopes the improvements will ensure it remains a resource.

“Our iconic Central Park reflects the core values of San Mateo and truly offers something for everyone young and old, and provides a gathering place for all of our residents to share and celebrate our diverse culture and interests,” Freschet said in an email.

Another new feature will be a memorial honoring those who’ve served the country and city, Freschet said, adding she’s in the process of developing a committee to work on the design and fundraising.

Available funding will likely steer an implementation plan for the proposed improvements, Klein said. Major projects, such as creating a new parking structure, could take time to fund. However, she noted having the Master Plan in place will make the city more competitive for grants or prepared when other financial support is identified.

The Parks and Recreation Commission is slated to consider the environmental review Feb. 7, before the City Council has the final vote on whether to approve the document as well as adopt the Master Plan.

She noted the timing is pertinent as San Mateo is also in the midst of updating its Downtown Plan, as well as initiating an update of its citywide General Plan. These types of plans are meant to not only adapt to changing demographics, but strive to prepare for the future. Overall, the park serves a broad range of people from seniors and young families to millennials who work nearby and people from an array of diverse cultures, Klein said.

Freschet who, along with five other generations of her own family, has fond memories of the park, said she hopes the community stays involved in creating a vision for the future.

“Central Park has been an anchor for decades to San Mateo families and I can’t think of a better legacy to leave to future generations than a thoughtfully preserved and enhanced park for their enjoyment,” Freschet said. “My hope is that the final plan will incorporate the park’s treasured history while blending the future and serving the needs of San Mateo going forward.”

Visit cityofsanmateo.org/2735/Central-Park-Master-Plan for more information and to see visual depictions of the plans.

samantha@smdailyjournal.com

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Twitter: @samantha_weigel