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Flood Park
| Famous for its large native Oak and Bay trees, Flood Park is a 21-acre retreat located in the midst of urban development. Park users have access to areas for drop-in picnicking activities, as well as more active activities such as softball, tennis, horse shoes, volleyball and petanque. There is often a high demand in the summer months by local teams for the baseball field located in the eastern portion of the park.
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215 Bay Road, Menlo Park 94025 - (650)363-4022
    
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History
Flood Park is located within the area formerly inhabited by the Costanoan Indians, a hunting, fishing and gathering culture. No evidence of early Native American habitation exists within the park, but Indian shell mounds have been found within a radius of three miles. With the arrival of early European explorers and settlers, the local population and land came under the influence of the California Mission system. The area became part of the Spanish Rancho de Las Pulgas. As the years progressed after the Mexican/American war, portions were sold off and developed.
In about 1863, James Clair Flood, the son of an Irish immigrant became a wealthy man by cashing in on the Comstock Lode. He purchased a 600-acre tract known as the Carroll property and built his opulent residence, Linden Towers.
In the early 1930's, a special tax was levied in the County to provide for parks and park facilities. Funds became available and the current 21-acre parcel of the Flood estate that was being sold off for subdivisions was purchased. About 1936, the Work Progress Administration, in an effort to provide work for those without jobs in the Great Depression, constructed an administration building, a swimming pool, the maintenance area, the caretaker's residence, two restrooms and the picnic sites in the park. The swimming pool is believed to have been the first public swimming pool in the country. In the early 1950's, parking, a baseball field, a softball field, and tennis courts were added.
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Trails
There are a number of pathways in the park that connect the various park areas. Park users find them beneficial for a brisk walk or a casual stroll. Please respect your fellow park users as you wander through the various areas.
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Facilities
27 drop-in family picnic sites are located in the park as well as six group picnic areas (Pine, Bay, Redwood, Maple, Madrone, and Fir) that are available by reservation.
One shelter area, the Oak Shelter, is located near the main entrance amongst large oak trees. It is available by reservation. The Oak Shelter is a popular facility with large groups and companies.
On the eastern end of the Flood Park is a full-sized baseball diamond which is also reservable for team practices and league games. Book far in advance for the summer months when the diamond is in high demand. (hardball only)
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Activities
Flood Park has a baseball field, softball field, tennis courts, a petanque court, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts and open lawn areas. The baseball field is available by reservation only for either practice or league play. The other sports areas are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. A large playground area is located in the center of the park.
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Days and Hours of Operation
Flood Park is open every day of the year including all holidays. It opens daily at 8:00 A.M. The closing time varies by time of year. The closing times are:
- December - February 5:00 P.M.
- March 6:00 P.M. (before Daylight Savings Time starts)
- March 7:00 P.M. (after Daylight Savings Time starts)
- April - August 8:00 P.M.
- September 8:00 P.M. (through Labor Day)
- September 7:00 P.M. (beginning the day after Labor Day)
- October 7:00 P.M. (first week[s] of October)
- October 5:00 P.M. (last three weeks of October)
- November 6:00 P.M. (before Daylight Saving Time ends)
- November 5:00 P.M. (after Daylight Saving Time ends)
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Natural Features
The park is relatively flat with only an eight-foot variation in elevation. The park has undergone heavy use over the years and a large number of exotic (nonnative) species have been planted.
The most significant natural features in the park are the heritage oaks (quercus lobata and quercus agrifolia) and the bay tree (umbellularia californica). A number of these have reached significant proportions and are outstanding examples of these species.
Squirrels are the most noticeable wildlife in the park. Also present are various species of birds such as mockingbirds, woodpeckers, scrobjays, and a variety of raptors, including redtail, redsholder and american nestrals.
All of the plant and animal species are protected in the Park. Please observe signs carefully, and stay out of areas designated as protected.
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Directions to the Park
When coming to Flood Park from the north (San Francisco), or from the south (San Jose), use Highway 101. Turn off at the Marsh Road exit. Take westbound on Marsh Road (towards Atherton). Proceed approximately three blocks to Bay Road. Turn south (left) onto Bay Road and proceed 1/2 mile to the park entrance, which will be on your left.
SamTrans buses provide service to key destinations throughout San Mateo County and San Francisco, such as work, schools, malls, civic centers and parks. Please visit SamTrans website to find out how you can take one of their buses to this park.
Map to Flood Park on mapquest.com
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Reservations
Flood Park has six picnic sites available by reservation: the Pine Area, the Bay Area, the Redwood Area , the Maple Area, the Madrone Area, and the Fir Area. These sites are located in the southern part of the park.
A sheltered area, the Oak Shelter, is located near the entrance of the park amongst large oak trees. It is available by reservation. The Oak Shelter is popular a facility with large groups and companies.
The Flood Park Baseball Field is also available by reservation.
The above areas are booked for the entire day. Fees are charged for using these areas. Payment in full, by credit card, is requested at the time that you make the reservation. Reservations are not required for general drop-in use. Vehicle entry fees are charged at the gate house.
To reserve a picnic site or the Oak Shelter at Flood Park please visit our on line reservation system or call the San Mateo County Parks Department reservations desk at (650) 363-4021. Reservations for the baseball field must be made by phoning the reservations desk.
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Volunteers Program
A large and varied number of volunteer activities take place all year long at Flood Park as part of the Parks Department's Volunteer Program. Individuals, groups, families and organizations can take part in path construction, exotic plant removal, habitat restoration, and other beneficial and rewarding projects.
If you are an individual or an organization interested in the volunteering, please contact Flood Park or the San Mateo County Parks Volunteer Program.
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Regulations
To preserve the natural environment of Flood Park, all plants, animals and natural features are protected.
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Picking or removing wildflowers or other natural material is prohibited.
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Fires are permitted in park barbecue pits only - no ground fires.
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Cutting and gathering of wood is prohibited.
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Dogs and other pets are not allowed.
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Bicycles are permitted only on paved roadways and in established parking areas. Children must wear bicycle helmets.
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Firearms and other weapons are prohibited.
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Loud radios, amplified sound systems and the playing of amplified musical instruments are not permitted.
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Park opens at 8:00 A.M. and closes at the preset time prior to sunset.
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Beer and wine only are allowed in certain areas, no hard liquor.
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Smoking is prohibited.
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Feeding of wildlife is prohibited.
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Fishing and hunting are not permitted per California State Fish and Game Regulations.
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Motor vehicles are permitted in established parking areas, unless directed otherwise by park staff or emergency personal.
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