Built in 1985, San Mateo City Hall houses the City Council chambers as well as the City Manager's office, the City Clerk's office and several other important administrative offices. San Mateo residents are welcome to drop in during normal business hours and file papers or gather needed information -- and they are encouraged to come to the council chambers on those evenings (generally the first and third Mondays of every month, beginning at 5 p.m.) where the people's business is discussed and decided.
Recreation Park features a variety of activities for the entire family to enjoy. This include 9- and 18-hole golf courses, a pro shop, tennis courts, a lawn bowling green, athletic fields and a community center.
Northridge Park Recreation Center is located in the large green park on Lemarsh Street. The center offers some indoor activities for children, teens and seniors. Winter basketball, senior yoga and toddler art classes are some of the activities offered here.
Westwind Barn is a community barn located in the Los Altos Hills. This property was completed remodeling at the beginning of 2010 to include a new foundation, a new roof, wheelchair-accessible spaces and new bathrooms. These upgrades make Westwind more energy-efficient with pending LEED certification. Westwind is open to the public each day of the week. It also holds horse shows and various activities for the community. Westwind is also a great spot for hikes, jogs or riding.
Christmas Hill Park is huge and seems to have something for everyone. There are several age specific play areas, sitting areas for large groups, a stage area for music or theatre and several hiking trails. The park also has enough space for most sports including football, soccer, running, walking and jogging, and there is a baseball field with bleachers.
Peterson Park, nestled next to the 60 freeway, provides playgrounds, a baseball field, a skatepark and an iconic view of Diamond Bar. The trailhead for the unofficially named "Diamond Bar Sunset Vista Trail," which leads to the top of the hill beside Peterson Park, is somewhat hidden in the treeline along the park's pathway. However, the steep 0.2 mile climb provides a rewarding westward view and offers a perfect spot to watch sunsets over Diamond Bar.
The Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department oversees a city that is rich with open spaces, wild life, parks and beaches. Parks and Recreation runs year-round classes aimed at all ages: Junior Lifeguards is popular among the local youth, and adults regularly fill the yoga and Pilates classes offered by the city. The office also coordinates events on the Santa Cruz Wharf and manages the Surfing Museum.
