2026 has been a busy and fruitful year for San Mateo County Parks. We celebrated the promotion of Hannah Ormshaw to Parks Director; we advanced multiple capital improvement projects across the County; and we expanded our parks system with the opening of Don Horsley Park. As our department continues to grow and evolve, we’re also taking a fresh look at how we represent ourselves.

At the heart of San Mateo County Parks is an important mission: to welcome everyone to the beauty and diversity that make our County unique. From neighborhood playgrounds and community parks to majestic redwood forests, stunning coastal cliffs and marine reserves, our parks system encompasses an extraordinary range of landscapes and experiences. Our new logo reflects that diversity while building on the familiar identity that has represented San Mateo County Parks for generations.

A Fresh Take on a Classic Look

The updated logo brings together some of the most emblematic elements of our parks system in a single, recognizable design. Department staff worked together to identify the landscapes, wildlife, and experiences that best represent San Mateo County Parks.

The refreshed shield features:

• An old-growth redwood tree, representing the towering forests and natural heritage of our county.
• Coastal cliffs, reflecting our spectacular Pacific coastline and marine environments.
• The iconic turkey vulture, a familiar presence in our skies and an important part of our local ecosystem.
• Rolling hills and trails, representing some of the ways that our visitors explore and connect with our parks.

Together, these elements tell a story about the breadth and character of our parks system.

Evolution of the San Mateo County Parks Logo

Designed for Accessibility

The updated logo also makes practical improvements to how our identity is seen and read. The shield has been widened to provide more space and improve readability, particularly when the logo is viewed from a distance. Updated colors provide strong contrast, supporting visual accessibility.

Honoring More Than a Century of Parks

Our parks system celebrated its centennial in 2024, marking more than 100 years of connecting people with the natural and recreational treasures of San Mateo County. The new logo acknowledges that history by incorporating 1924, the year our parks system was established. It is a meaningful reminder of the legacy we carry forward. As we look toward the future, we’re proud to carry that history with us.