Explore Parks and Community Centers
The City of San Mateo operates about 200 acres of parks and 6 community centers with 2 pools, over 900 athletic and fitness classes and more than 500 creative classes.
“Exploring” Made Easy
We can help you find the perfect park or facility for whatever your activity. Know the park of your interest? Use our “choose a park” drop down menu or zoom into the park of your choice. If you’re not sure which park or center you need, “search by feature” and get a list of parks and community centers that fit your needs.
Also, with our interactive Parks Map, you can get 360° views of many park features and you can see aerial views of our parks! Zoom in on them and print them, and get information about driving and mass transit directions!
See some of our highlighted parks:
Our network of more than 30 parks and centers in the City of San Mateo is divided into 4 broad categories to help you decide which park you’d like to visit:
Mini Parks
Our smallest parks are usually less than 1.5 acres and are dotted throughout the city to act as urban oases – they are perfect spots to sit, relax and enjoy a little nature in the middle of the city.
Neighborhood Parks
Neighborhood Parks are usually between 1.5 and 6 acres and typically have at least two park amenities such as play areas, small picnic areas or loop pathways. We have 6 neighborhood parks around the city.
Community Parks & Centers
Parks ranging in size from 6 acres to about 20 acres, often with a recreation center facility. These parks meet the neighborhood needs, but also contain facilities that address citywide needs for group activities, organized sports and recreation classes.
Regional Parks
A very large network of connected parks like our Shoreline Park and Laurelwood/Sugarloaf Mountain open space, or a major facility, like the golf course, that draws people from beyond City limits.