San Carlos Parks Master Plan

San Carlos, CA

Shaping a Resilient and Inclusive Future

Gates Studio is leading the City of San Carlos in developing a long-range Parks Master Plan to guide the future of its parks, open spaces, and recreational facilities through 2045. As prime consultant and planner, Gates assembled a strong, multidisciplinary team to deliver a clear, actionable vision grounded in data and shaped by robust public engagement.

The Plan identifies key priorities, including a new community recreation facility with aquatics, upgraded parks and playgrounds, improved trail access, and emerging recreation trends like pump tracks and adventure play. Gates led a multi-phase outreach effort that engaged over 3,000 residents, ensuring the Plan reflects the community’s values and aspirations. The result is a forward-looking, equity-focused strategy that balances bold ideas with practical implementation.

This project is currently in progress.

Key Considerations

Enhancing Existing Amenities to Meet Evolving Needs

Upgrading playgrounds, modernizing outdated features, and introducing popular new amenities—such as a pump track, ropes course, and improved dog parks—helps the system stay responsive to community preferences, while joint-use partnerships and a new recreation and aquatic facility support growing indoor recreation needs.

Reallocating, Reusing, and Repurposing in a Built-Out City

With limited space for growth, the plan focuses on creatively optimizing existing parks—adding elements like a new backstop, converting dual-use courts into dedicated pickleball courts, and using natural site features such as slopes and berms to expand play and social opportunities without requiring new land.

Balancing Community Priorities with Space and Cost Constraints

Although residents strongly support new recreation options, the plan balances enthusiasm with concerns about space, neighborhood impacts, and long-term costs by prioritizing improvements to existing amenities while carefully introducing high-demand facilities like a pool and community center.

Improving Accessibility Across the System

System-wide accessibility upgrades, including pathway resurfacing, accessible playgrounds, and new restrooms at open space trailheads, ensure residents of all ages and abilities can safely and comfortably enjoy the parks.

Making it Happen

San Carlos Parks Master Plan, Park System Map

San Carlos Parks and Recreation system map.

The master plan is shaped by strong community engagement—surveys, pop-ups, workshops, and online tools gathered input from residents, staff, and stakeholders at every stage. The final document will present clear priorities, phased actions, and funding strategies to guide future decision-making.

Designed to be flexible and practical, the Parks Master Plan will support both daily operations and long-term planning. The final plan will be grounded in data and community input, serving as the roadmap to a more vibrant, connected, and sustainable parks and recreation system for San Carlos.

Collecting feedback at a community event during the first round of public engagement.

Project Details

Pop-up workshop at the San Carlos Farmers Market

In the second round of outreach, the community identified their top improvements to existing sites and short- and long-term amenities.