Private-Public Partnership

Reductions in the general funds of cities and the County of San Mateo has resulted in many instances of deferred maintenance at the parks and reduced staffing levels. This is a problem common to many communities. The Friends take pride in demonstrating how an effective public-private partnership can work through our non-profit organization that collaborates with the County of San Mateo Parks Department.

We aren't park rangers and our staff is paid by the Friends, not the County of San Mateo. While we cannot make decisions about which specific park maintenance projects take place in the parks, we do provide financial assistance for selected projects and volunteer support for activities under the rangers' supervision.

We invite you to:

• Donate online as part of our annual appeal.
• Learn more about the state of today's finances within the County Park System
  
• Understand how your donation will be used when you give to the Friends
  
• Read our current and past newsletters that let our supporters know about our accomplishments and thank them for their generosity.