Construction started on June 2, 2025 and is set to last 18-24 months.

The construction contract, which was approved at the March 17, 2025 City Council Meeting, allows the contractor 548 days (approximately 18 months) to complete this project. However the project may take up to 24 months due to unforeseen circumstances as is common with projects of this size and scope. This timeline is aligned with the durations for previously completed projects in neighboring cities of similar scope and complexity.

We understand that the timeline seems lengthy but we are committed to delivering a safe, high-value recreational space for the community in the most efficient way possible. Below are factors affecting the timeline for this project:

• Heritage tree and root protection as part of a robust tree protection plan required by the city
• Overseas shipping of custom playground equipment 
• Manufacturing and shipping of the prefabricated restroom building
• Environmental mitigation requirements (e.g., CEQA mitigation, protection of nesting birds)
• Hazardous materials remediation required for the safe demolition of the  existing restroom
• Installation of new utilities (sewer and water lines) that require coordination with outside agencies
• Small construction site (less than 1.5 acres) located in a mature, well used park that will remain open throughout construction
• Possible weather related delays

In accordance with San Mateo Municipal Code Section 23.06.060 

No work regulated by this code shall be permitted between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, nor prior to 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, nor prior to 12:00 noon or after 4:00 p.m. on Sundays and holidays. These hours do not apply to construction work that takes place inside a completely enclosed building and does not exceed the exterior ambient noise level as measured ten feet from the exterior property lines.

 Below is a list of reasons why you might not see work happening at the site during construction:

• This is a complex project with many proposed improvements which require coordination across various trades. As such, there may be periods of reduced activity or temporary pauses during coordination efforts.
• Given the nature of horizontal construction, much of the work will occur at or near the ground level, particularly in the early phases.
• Inspections, testing, and other construction related activities both on- and off-site may also necessitate brief work stoppages.
• Additionally delays may arise due to factors beyond the contractors control such as material or equipment availability or unforeseen conditions uncovered during excavation that require input from the design team.

Less than 10% of the park will be impacted. The graphic below shows the construction and staging areas. 

Yes! There are restrooms available near the E 5th Ave. entrance by the grandstands and parking garage. Portable restrooms will also be installed at the South West entrance to the Park at El Camino Real.

The Central Lawn was selected for staging due to several factors:

• It allows for most pedestrian pathways to remain open and accessible.
• Proximity to the construction site minimizes transport and handling of construction materials, improving safety and efficiency.
• Alternative locations would increase vehicle traffic on pathways posing a greater threat to pedestrians.
• Having a single, secured area, simplifies monitoring and emergency response for police and fire services should a construction related emergency occur.
• The approved plans indicate that the entire central lawn area may be fully utilized, however, we’ve worked with the contractor to reduce its footprint and will continue to look for further reductions as the project progresses.

While the construction fence screening is not ideal aesthetically, it serves to secure materials and reduces the possibility of theft. Additionally, it reduces visual clutter and separates the public from active work zones.

Most events have been moved to Fitzgerald Field, however, staff will be continuously working on alternate sites for upcoming events. Please stay up to date with location changes by visiting our Special Events webpage.

Although we don’t anticipate long term closures of surrounding streets there may be occasional closures during delivery of construction materials and equipment. Additionally, some lanes of El Camino Real may be closed during sewer line installation, however we don’t expect any impacts to parking or pedestrian entry into the park.

he existing play structure has reached the end of its intended service life and no longer meets industry design standards for play equipment. In alignment with San Mateo Municipal Code Chapter 7.33 - Recycling and Salvaging of Construction and Demolition Debris, every effort will be made to responsibly salvage and recycle usable components.

The city has many parks with playgrounds that you can enjoy during construction and they can all be found on our Parks webpage: https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/3318/Parks-and-Picnic-Areas. Additionally we’ve compiled a list of parks closest to Central Park listed below: 

• Gateway Park - 800 E 3rd Ave. - 0.65 miles away
• Sunnybrae Park -  625 Folkstone Ave. - 0.73 miles away
• Borel Park - 425 Barneson Ave. - 0.75 miles away
• Martin Luther King Jr. Park - 725 Monte Diablo Ave. - 0.9 miles away

Easy! check out this project website at: https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/4142/Central-Park-Playground-Renovation and follow us on social media @smparksandrec.

We are committed to transparency and welcome all questions.

If you have additional questions that were not addressed here or on the project webpage, please feel free to email parksandrecreation@cityofsanmateo.org. Questions submitted with similar subject matter, will be posted on this FAQ page regularly.