Could San Mateo County Residents Access County Parks For Free?

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — San Mateo County residents may be able to access all San Mateo County parks for free in the future.

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors set up a subcommittee during Tuesday’s meeting to study waiving vehicle fees for the seven county parks that currently charge a $6 vehicle entry fee and how it might encourage more low-income residents to visit the parks.

County staff had recommended eliminating the fees for county residents who receive Medi-Cal, CalFresh and/or San Mateo County Access and Care for Everyone (ACE) benefits.

“The vehicle entrance fee is a barrier to park access for the most vulnerable residents of San Mateo County,” county staff wrote in a report.

The seven parks that currently charge for entrance are:

• Coyote Point Recreation Area
• Huddart Park
• Sam McDonald Park
• Memorial Park
• San Pedro Valley Park
• Junipero Serra Park
• San Bruno Mountain State and County Park

Supervisors hoped that waiving the fees might boost attendance at county parks.

Supervisors Carole Groom and Don Horsley, the subcommittee assigned to study the issue, will consider how to replace the $1 million in annual vehicle access fees that go toward maintaining the trails and park facilities.

Click here to view the agenda report.