San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Foundation

San Mateo County Parks are an important part of our community!

The San Mateo County Park system includes 20 separate parks encompassing 17,000 acres and 190 miles of trails, including three regional trails. The parks represent a wide variety of natural settings from the coast to the bay, redwoods to oak woodlands, urban to remote. And all of this is right at your doorstep!

There are more than 1.8 million visits to San Mateo County Parks annually. People come to hike, camp, windsurf, ride horses, observe marine life, explore historic sites, and view colorful wildflower displays. Whether you want a playground, a picnic area, family barbeque or corporate event site, there is something for everyone.

These lands provide habitat for endangered species like the bay checkerspot butterfly and marbled murrelet. They are our watersheds, providing clean drinking water and fresh air. They help regulate our climate and control flooding. Our quality of life depends on a thriving, connected park and open space system.

Your gift to the San Mateo County Parks Foundation supports the parks!

The San Mateo County Parks Foundation works closely with the County to determine where our contributions will have the most benefit. It takes a lot of behind the scenes time, energy and resources to ensure residents and visitors alike have a safe and enjoyable time in the parks.

The Foundation provides funding for special projects and programs that enhance the County Park experience for visitors or that preserve its many native ecosystems.  These include:

Annual Support of the Volunteer Program

Student Conservation Association Youth Crews

Preservation and Restoration of Diverse Habitats 

Environmental Education Opportunities

Trail Maintenance Projects

Bicycle Sunday

Bill and Jean Lane Education Center at Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve

And Special Projects that focus on improved access to the parks such as mini-cabins, a shuttle program, and improved beach access.