Closure Notices:Japanese Garden:The Japanese Garden will be closed for annual pond maintenance from Monday, February 9 to Friday, February 13. Playground: The playground and picnic areas will remain closed through the end of construction, which is estimated to take 18-24 months. We are excited to embark on this new critical phase of improvements and appreciate everyone's cooperation and understanding! For updates on the project please check out reimagined Central Park playground! Check out some nearby parks during the closure: Revised 01/27/2026 |
About this Park
The city purchased the Kohl Mansion property in 1922 and transformed this 16.3-acre property into the City’s signature park in downtown San Mateo, Central Park.
Central Park is home to many signature community events such as the Central Park Music Series, 4th of July in the Park, Eggstravaganza, and more.
The Central Park Recreation Center offers popular aerobic classes and rentable space for meetings and other functions. Aerobic classes take place in the mornings, and then you can rent the center rooms for all kinds of social events from noon to midnight!
Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden, in San Mateo Central Park is one of the finest gardens in California. It was designed by landscape architect, Nagao Sakurai of the Imperial Palace of Tokyo, and features a granite pagoda, tea house, koi pond and bamboo grove.
The Japanese Garden is beautiful throughout the year, but be sure to visit in the late Winter and early Spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Sorry, no dogs are allowed in the Japanese Garden.
Hours of Operation:
- Monday - Friday: 10:00am-4:00pm
- Saturday & Sunday: 11:00am-4:00pm
- Open on holidays, except December 25
Koi Feedings:
Koi feedings are done during public viewing hours during Spring and Summer only (fish are not fed during public hours November - March)
Monday - Friday: 11:00am and 3:00pm (Spring/Summer)
Central Rose Garden
A beautiful wedding spot available for rent. Fill out the application!
Location: 50 E 5th Avenue
Phone: (650) 522-7434
Park and Picnic Photos
Equipment for the On Ice, ice rink will be arriving on Friday, October 25, 2024. Parks and facilities staff are coordinating efforts for safe and efficient installation
Equipment for the On Ice, ice rink will be arriving on Friday, October 25, 2024. Parks and facilities staff are coordinating efforts for safe and efficient installation