The San Mateo Arboretum Society
45+ year collaboration with San Mateo Central Park
Mission. Our mission is to promote horticultural education. Our passion is connecting people and plants to enhance the community. Our informal mission is to be friends of Central Park.
Operations. SMAS is an all-volunteer organization of approximately 250 members and 40 volunteers. Our funding comes from memberships, donations, plant sales, tribute brick sales and pumphouse rentals. We maintain several gardens in Central Park and host monthly educational seminars.
Founding. In 1975, Marion Panaretos’ vision of the San Mateo Arboretum Society (SMAS) was realized. The next year the city council and Mayor John Condon approved their use of the Kohl Pumphouse and surrounding Gardens as their headquarters.
This is the story of the San Mateo Arboretum Society’s work, commitment and cooperation with the community to create a natural beauty high point in San Mateo Central Park.