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County parks representatives detail Flood Park improvements but say playground opening delayed by safety checks
Summary
County parks staff told the Parks and Recreation Commission on June 24 that Phase 1 of Flood Park is largely complete, but specialized playground elements failed safety checks and shading work and delayed manufacturer deliveries mean the playground will remain closed until issues are resolved.
San Mateo County parks representatives updated the Menlo Park Parks and Recreation Commission on June 24 about substantial Phase 1 improvements at Flood Park but said the playground will not open until remaining safety and shading issues are finished. "We will not be opening the park until we have those shading structures," the meeting moderator stated, summarizing the presenters' account.
The presentation, led by Hannah Ormshaw, assistant parks director (as introduced to the commission), and Emma Gonzalez, who identified herself during the meeting, said community engagement produced nearly 2,000 comments that shaped the project. Phase 1, the presenters said, added a multi‑use sports field, tennis and dual‑striped pickleball courts, basketball courts, a sand volleyball court, expanded parking, walking paths and landscape improvements that are already in heavy use.
Park staff emphasized the playground’s inclusive design — a Boulder Canyon motif, a dedicated toddler area, climbing structures, zip lines and spinner features — and said preserving the existing tree canopy guided choices about natural play elements. Assistant parks director Hannah Ormshaw told commissioners the project evaluated both engineered wood fiber and poured‑in‑place rubber surfacing and opted for poured‑in‑place rubber to limit maintenance problems caused when wood fiber migrates onto rubber surfaces.
Commissioners and staff discussed operational details, including how to book group picnic areas (online or by phone), plans to expand parking capacity by removing some fencing near the diamond field once certain projects finish, and on‑site staffing: district staff and park rangers patrol and routinely check parks, staff said.
Officials also outlined what remains on the work list: a custom spinner that failed a safety check and shading installations meant to prevent metal slides from overheating in summer conditions. Presenters said some custom equipment is sourced internationally and manufacturer visits and parts deliveries have delayed completion. They described efforts to expedite work but stressed that safety remains the deciding factor for any opening date.
On the diamond/ballfield topic, staff said earlier cost estimates of roughly $6–7 million have increased to an estimated $12–15 million because grading, drainage and subsurface services are more extensive than first modeled. The parks staff said they are exploring multi‑phase capital approaches, partnership with youth sports organizations and potential donor support to advance that element.
The presentation closed with staff committing to continue coordination with contractors and consultants and to notify the commission and community when safety issues are resolved and a ribbon‑cutting can be scheduled.
