The Design of Central Park
Function follows form
Central Park inherited the landscape design of the Kohl estate. The circulation patterns, the curvilinear paths, the entrances, spatial layout, sight lines and vegetation are largely unchanged from Kohl’s days.
The mid-nineteenth century saw the development of urban parks as a refuge from overcrowded and polluted urban environments. Parks were promoted as pastoral pleasure grounds with natural settings to encourage contemplation and passive exercise such as walking. New York City’s Central Park is an example of this design.
San Mateo’s Central Park was established during the reform park movement which marked a departure from the romanticized urban parks. Reformers believed parks should promote strenuous play and bring residents together for shared activity and dialogue. They should be utilitarian and functional rather than merely artistic.
San Mateo’s Central Park has aspects of both types of parks. It started as the pleasant back yard of a wealthy estate. But, over the years, incremental additions have been made the park more functional for residents such as tennis courts, playground, ball fields and the community center.
Central Park, San Mateo�Photographed by Lionel T. Berryhill, September 1944�San Mateo County Historical Association (1971.142.8)
Central Park, San Mateo�Photographed by Lionel T. Berryhill, September 1944�San Mateo County Historical Association (1971.142.5)