East Hillsdale Park Development Project
East Hillsdale Park Open!
We are happy to announce the East Hillsdale Park reopened on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
A heartfelt thank you to the community members that have supported this project from the beginning — your feedback, enthusiasm, and patience have truly been invaluable. The improvements completed here were made with you and your families always in mind. We truly hope that you enjoy the new space for years to come!
It has been twenty years since the last play area upgrade was completed for East Hillsdale Park. Back then a small play area for toddlers and an area with a spiral slide was provided.
The playground and surrounding area will be completely renovated as part of the Parks and Recreation Capital Improvement Plan. The renovation includes installation of new, modern play equipment, repaving of the perimeter pathway and upgraded pathway lighting. Additionally, trenching and excavation work will be conducted to improve storm drainage.
The playground design concept was selected in 2022 following extensive community outreach.
- When will construction start and how long will the impacts last?
- Why will the project take 12 months to complete?
- What are some factors affecting the timeline?
- When will construction be happening in the park?
- How much of the park will be impacted?
- Will surrounding streets be closed or otherwise impacted?
- What is happening to the old play structure?
- Where are the nearest tennis courts for public use?
- What are some other playgrounds I can check out while construction is happening?
- How is this project funded?
- How can I stay updated on the project?
October 2026 - The renovations were successfully completed within budget and a reopening ceremony was held on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
September 2026 – Final inspection of the parks playground's improvements will be scheduled by the City’s Building Department. The park is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. See event details.
April 2026: The newly installed storm drainage system performed as design during recent storm events. The new pathways are 80% completed. Play equipment and light pole installation were rescheduled due to supply chain delays. The project remains within budget.
January 2026 - Play equipment installation has begun and pathway asphalt paving is expected to begin in the coming weeks. The project arborist has been regularly inspecting tree health and roots throughout construction operations.
October 2025 - Demolition of the existing playground and rough grading has been completed. Additionally, the park’s new storm water drainage system is being installed and the park’s pathway lighting system upgrade will start soon. The new play equipment has been ordered and is scheduled to arrive in the coming months.
June 2025 - On June 2nd, 2025, City Council awarded a construction contract to Suarez & Munoz Construction, Inc. to construct the playground improvements at East Hillsdale Park.
On June 16, 2025 City Council awarded a construction management contract to 4LEAF, Inc. Construction fencing will be installed in the coming weeks and the park is expected to be closed for construction for approximately 12 months.
April 2025 - The bid phase for the project ended on Friday, April 18. Below is the bid evaluation form for reference. It is anticipated that the construction phase will begin Summer 2025.
March 2025 - The project bid phase started on schedule Monday, March 10, 2025 after successful completion of the Prequalification of Prospective Bidders. The Notice of Determination listing the eight (8) prequalified bidders was issued on Feb. 14, 2025. The bid phase is scheduled to end April 18, 2025.
January 2025 - PG&E approved the City’s electrical service application for park lighting expansion. The City released a Request for Qualifications on Dec. 2, 2024 to prospective bidders and we are evaluating nearly a dozen applications based on park construction experience and references. Evaluations should be completed by month’s end. Plans for the bidding phase are ready; we aim to go out to bid in March 2025 and begin construction in May 2025
September 2024 - Staff is currently in the process of prequalifying prospective bidders and expect to finalize the list shortly. Staff has also been working closely with PG&E to address some logistical concerns related to the proposed pathway lighting upgrades, and expect to resolve these issues promptly. The bid is expected to be issued in early 2025.
May 2024 - The completed construction documents were submitted to the building department for building permit review and approval in early 2024. The building permit is anticipated to be granted by late Summer 2024 and it is anticipated that this project will go out to bid by Winter 2024.
October 2023 - The construction documents are in progress and scheduled for submittal to building department for permitting by early Spring 2024.
July 2023 - City Council approved an amendment to the to the agreement with Callander Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc. (CALA) for additional services and optional Construction Management and related services. With the onboarding of a new project manager preparation of construction documents and all necessary permits can begin. Next step will be to go out to bid for construction. We can expect to break ground before the end of 2024.
February 2023 - The Department identified further permitting requirements and design refinement for lighting options, drainage, and retention work as well as management and coordination of geotechnical work, which resulted in the need for external expertise and assistance and re-engaged Callander Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc. (CALA) for additional services and optional Construction Management services.
September 2022 – A kick off meeting has taken place so that surveys and engineering studies can be carried out in preparation for the construction drawings.
August 2022 – City Council has approved the agreement with Callander Associates Landscape Architecture, Inc. (CALA) for preparation of construction drawings. Expected completion is in 2023, the department will then seek proposals to construct.
March 2022 – The Park and Recreation Commission approved proceeding with the Miracle Play Group design (watch the meeting). Topographical Survey was completed (to better understand the topographical aspects of the park) prior to finalizing design and preparing architectural drawings.
January 2022 – Following our virtual community meeting in October, Parks and Recreation hosted a follow up meeting on location at the park to present the revised play area design along with 3 alternative play equipment designs and answer general questions about the park tree plan and park infrastructure.
With over 60 people in attendance, play equipment representatives presented their designs, answered questions and the public was invited to vote on their preferences. Color coded votes were distributed to children and adults alike and once counted, Specified Play Equipment came in with 30 votes (24 adults and 6 children), Miracle Play Group came in with 27 votes (14 adults and 13 children) and Ross Recreation Equipment came in with 8 votes (6 adults and 2 kids). It should also be noted there was consensus for no restroom or BBQ areas as was previously stated 3 playground designers were on hand to present and discuss the merits of their suggested playground designs and answer questions from the community.
October 2021 - With the neighborhood input in mind we have now solicited a number of designs for your consideration and preference prior to plans being prepared for formal bid.
A virtual community meeting was held Thu. October 28, 2021, at 7:00 PM. Residents reviewed the design concepts and related documents and provided feedback.
February 2020 - a neighborhood survey was conducted to obtain input from the neighborhood as to any ideas for the play area space and related enhancements. As you may know West Hillsdale Park includes a play area in basically one location and has a larger open lawn area for free play. The City does not permit out this lawn area to sports groups; however, like our experience in most other parks, the turf area does get drop-in practice use from sports groups, mostly youth from the surrounding neighborhood.
Parks and Recreation thanks everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to attend and their constructive and valuable feedback.
Related Documents
Contract Documents
Renderings
are approximations and not final designs.
- March 2022 Park and Recreation Commission meeting recording.
- For all other presentation to City Council and/or Commissions please visit the Public Meeting Portal
Have Questions?
Please email parksandrecreation@cityofsanmateo.org or call (650) 522-7400.