San Mateo County celebrates first phase of Flood Park renovation with playground construction kickoff
San Mateo County, California – A well-loved park in San Mateo County is turning over a new leaf—literally and figuratively. Flood Park, hidden in Menlo Park and flanked by the communities of North Fair Oaks and East Palo Alto, has emerged from a long-anticipated facelift that promises to make it a hub for recreation, relaxation, and community events.
On Saturday, June 7, the public got its first look at the newly completed features of Flood Park during a joyous event that honored not just the refurbishment, but the future. It was also the official start of construction on a new playground that is inspired by nature. The 21-acre area has had a big makeover that honors its historic oak woodlands and meets the needs of modern recreation. This is the first major change in decades.
From the start, it was apparent what the purpose was: to make a park for everyone. That vision has come true now. People can now play pickleball, sand volleyball, tennis, and basketball on the courts. You can play soccer or just toss a ball around on multi-use fields. There is a beautiful pump track that is open to riders of all skill levels. There are also shady paths that wind through oak trees where youngsters may explore, climb fallen logs, and find bugs in their natural home.
“As a grandmother who takes a 4-year-old to the park, I know the importance of having a park that is accessible and is inviting to everyone,” said San Mateo County Supervisor Lisa Gauthier, whose District 4 includes Flood Park. “Little kids to teenagers need an inviting place to be able to go outside and play or a place to gather. This is going to be a gathering place for the region.”
Parks Director Nicholas Calderon echoed that sentiment, noting that the project was driven by a desire to connect people with nature while offering space for everything from solitude to spirited games.
“We’re proud of what’s been accomplished in the first phase of renovations and what we’ll provide to the community for generations to come,” he said.
The renovation is the park’s largest in 40 years, fueled mostly by cash from the county’s Measure K half-cent sales tax and general revenues, with backing from Santa Clara County. The redesign came about because of “Reimagine Flood Park,” a community-based project that started after an evaluation in 2015 found that the park’s old infrastructure needed to be updated. The final plan came together after years of public input. It combines better accessibility and programming with caring for the environment.
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And the best part? Getting in is easier than ever. Visitors can enjoy everything Flood Park has to offer for free, without having to pay a vehicle fee.
Flood Park has always had a lot of history. It was once Ohlone land and opened in the 1930s with the County’s first park tax. It’s ready to make new memories today.
More details and photos are available on San Mateo County’s website.
