Celebrating & Preserving
San Mateo Park
In 1896, famed landscape architect John McLaren, designer of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, supervised the planting of native oak and redwood trees, elms, maples, poplars, palms, cedars and olive trees throughout our neighborhood.
The architectural styles in San Mateo Park include works by such renowned architects as Julia Morgan, Bernard Maybeck, and John Howard, representing every vernacular from Queen Anne Victorian, to Arts and Crafts, to period revivals of the 1920's and 30's. Scroll down for more...​
​
Events
June 1 Block Party
The first (annual!?) summer block party on June 1 was a roaring success, with friends of all ages getting together to celebrate our community and the onset of summer. Click here for a quick video of the day posted on our Facebook group. ​​
Announcements
​
Small Cell Towers
New Small Cell (5G Wi-Fi) equipment has been scheduled to be installed in San Mateo Park. Five permits have been approved and four more are awaiting approval. READ MORE
Historical RFP
A decision was made at the San Mateo City Council Meeting on Tuesday Jan 21 2025 to hire a historical consultant - Rincon - to update the City's dated preservation ordinances, and identify historic districts. Importantly, the councillors opted to insert language that requires homeowner approval before going ahead with historic designations. ​ READ MORE​
Mike James, mikejamesphoto.com
Mike James, mikejamesphoto.com
John Mclaren
Landscape Architect
A Brief History
Winding Streets Punctuated by 62 Planted Islands
In 1896, John McLaren, respected landscape architect and designer of Golden Gate Park, along with noted architect George H. Howard, started the development of San Mateo Park.
Winding streets were laid out to conform to the gentle rolling terrain and 62 islands were formed, each to be planted with unique trees.
McLaren chose his islands to be graced with classic native California trees of oak and redwood along with Eastern maples, poplars, and exotic tree specimens from around the world including cork oak and olive trees.
