Founded on the Fourth of July 1924, Memorial Park, deep in the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, is the birthplace of San Mateo County Parks, where generations of families connect to nature.
By Mike Kahn
June 25, 2024—As I’m driving deep into the Santa Cruz Mountains near the southern end of San Mateo County, it strikes me that getting here is part of the nature experience—the joy of exploring the winding roads and being captivated by the landscape as it changes from suburbia to oak woodlands to the redwood forests. The mountains are wide here where the Peninsula spreads out about 20 miles between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay.
What’s giving me chills on this trip is knowing that something momemental happened here a century ago, on the Fourth of July, no less, setting actions in motion that have shaped and will continue to shape the natural landscape of modern San Mateo County.
It’s hard for me to imagine what it would have been like trying to get all the way out here 100 years ago. But it was on July 4, 1924, that around 1,500 people came out to the redwoods in Loma Mar to memorialize the county residents who died in World War I. Memorial Park was born and the San Mateo County Parks Department was established.
Today I’m here to meet Katherine Wright, a ranger with San Mateo County Parks. She’s the supervisor of the interpretive division at the Memorial Park “complex,” which also includes neighboring Sam McDonald and Pescadero Creek county parks, totalling 8,000 acres of open space.
“I grew up in San Mateo and started camping at Memorial Park as a kid with my parents, attending the nature programs,” Wright says. “My dad camped here as a kid himself. In college, I started working here as a park aide. As an aide I got to lead naturalist activities for the campers, like the programs that I got to attend as a kid. I loved that.”
Wright, who has dedicated 10 years to San Mateo County Parks, is a perfect example of what makes Memorial Park special to so many people: A century of multi-generational families hiking, camping, communing with ancient redwoods and swimming in Pescadero Creek.
The Conservation Effort
The inception of the San Mateo County Park system can be traced to the burgeoning conservation movement of the early 1900s, a time when Americans were increasingly recognizing the value of preserving natural spaces for public enjoyment and ecological health.
In the early 1900s in Loma Mar, children from Wurr School enjoyed taking field trips to the nearby old-growth redwoods. However, a lumber company soon purchased the property, putting these giants at risk. When visiting Wurr, Roy W. Cloud, the county superintendent of schools, saw the beauty of the area and was deeply concerned about the threat it faced. Cloud brought the issue to the attention of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors who, following the recommendation of an appointed committee of local civic leaders, took swift action to buy the property. Supervisor Thomas L. Hickey recommended the park be dedicated to the county’s 52 men who died in World War I.
The San Mateo County Park system has a rich history that underscores its commitment to preserving natural beauty and providing recreational opportunities. Wright recounted how local leaders were inspired by the broader national and state park movements, driven by a vision to protect the region's unique landscapes from the pressures of urbanization and industrial development. Over the past 100 years, the county’s park system has grown to encompass more than 16,000 acres across 24 parks, each offering a variety of amenities such as hiking trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, and educational programs. The parks serve millions of visitors annually, reflecting the enduring value placed on natural and recreational spaces by the community.
The San Mateo County Parks Foundation
The San Mateo County Parks Department does not have its own dedicated source of revenue. Its budget comes from the county’s general fund and some Measure K proceeds, which means SMCP must compete for funds with all other community needs, including health and safety. To provide direct funding support, the San Mateo County Parks Foundation was established in 1998.
The Foundation helps fill in the important gaps in areas that do not receive sufficient funding, such as habitat restoration, volunteer support, and educational programs. These Foundation-funded programs serve to enhance and enrich the park experience for everyone.
Michele Beasley, the Foundation’s executive director, says her organization is committed to providing access to as many people as possible.
“We fund field trips to the parks,” Beasley says. “We have an Enhancing Equitable Access Grant Program that helps break down barriers preventing people from experiencing the parks by supporting transportation, translation, and awareness-building initiatives.” The Foundation acts as a philanthropic partner to San Mateo County Parks, enabling the pursuit of projects and initiatives that might not be feasible through public funding alone. By mobilizing private donations, grants, and volunteer efforts, the foundation aims to bridge funding gaps and ensure the sustainability of the parks for future generations.
Memorial Park for the Next Century
The centennial celebration of San Mateo County Parks marks a significant milestone in the preservation and enjoyment of the region’s natural beauty. As the cornerstone of the park system, Memorial Park has been the focus of several upgrades to commemorate this 100-year anniversary, reflecting the enduring legacy and continued commitment to enhancing public spaces.
At Memorial Park, the Parks Department has been working on renovation projects for the last several years. Given the park's age, there was a lot of investment to be done. Some of the facilities date back to the 1930s and the federal Works Progress Administration–including some stone BBQ pits still in use today. A new wastewater treatment plant and distribution plant have been installed, along with new paving, new restrooms and shower buildings. Modern restrooms and showers are a big deal when you are car camping!
To complement these big infrastructure projects, the Foundation’s attention is now turned to redoing the Nature Center attached to the ranger station. The organization has also had its hand in other projects including accessibility improvements to the Tan Oak picnic area and the program meeting spot outside the ranger station.
“The Nature Center was very outdated, dusty, and in desperate need of attention. It’s such an important launching point to the rest of the park and redwoods, for children and adults alike,” Beasley says. “In the Parks Department’s recent strategic interpretive planning process, Memorial Park and the Nature Center were identified as key areas of focus. We want to get people started in the park with a great educational experience–sparking their imaginations to explore and care for nature.”
Ideally, the Nature Center would be fully restored already but things take the time they take—and money. The Foundation has a goal of raising enough funds to complete the installation of new exhibits, murals, energy-efficient lighting, and accessibility elements by the end of the year. You can make a donation to help fund this final project to usher in the next 100 years of Memorial Park (just select the park from the “Apply My Donation To” dropdown menu on the donation page). You can also buy a gorgeous Memorial Park poster that helps support the Foundation.
For ranger Katherine Wright and her interpretive team, the new Nature Center will provide a great place to teach visitors of all ages about the redwood forest, creek habitat and local history. And more: “Over here we're gonna have a shadow box with a ranger uniform in it, complete with a Smokey Bear hat and everything. And next to it, we're gonna have a panel all about life as a ranger and the different kinds of jobs they do within the park.” Here comes the next generation of rangers!
The centennial upgrades to Memorial Park reflect a blend of honoring the past and looking towards the future. By improving facilities and restoring natural habitats, its supporters are ensuring that the park remains a vital part of the community, offering a space for recreation, education, and reflection for the next century and beyond.
The Memorial Park Centennial Celebration! takes place on Thursday, Jul 11, 2024. The free event is already full.
Plan your visit to Memorial Park for a day hike or camping.
Category:
