About the Commission

The Parks Commission acts in an advisory capacity and makes policy recommendations to the Board of Supervisors regarding the management and operation of County natural preserves, marine reserves, open space areas, trails, parks and/or recreation areas and facilities within unincorporated San Mateo County. The Commission reviews and forwards to the Board of Supervisors recommendations regarding fees to be charged for the use of these areas. The Commission advises the Board of Supervisors regarding fish, game and wildlife policies and programs, and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the expenditure of fish and game propagation funds.

Mission Statement

Representing the people of San Mateo County and in their interest, act as an advisory body to the Board of Supervisors on matters related to open space, parks and recreation, providing a public and transparent forum on items agendized for its consideration in coordination with the County Parks Director.

Structure of the Commission

There are five Commissioners, each of whom represents one of the five Supervisorial Districts. Commissioners are appointed by the Supervisor elected from that District and serve terms concurrent with the Supervisors. Most Commissioners average 10 hours per month on Commission related business. Service as a Commissioner is as a volunteer. There is no compensation for this position.

Barbara Bonilla
District 1 (Pine)
Appointed: 4/12/2016
Term Expires: 12/31/2020
Heather Green
Chair
District 2 (Groom)
Appointed: 2/26/19
Term Expires: 12/31/2022
Neil Merrilees
Vice Chair
District 3 (Horsley)
Reappointed: 12/6/2018
Term Expires 12/31/2022
Meda O. Okelo
District 4 (Slocum)
Reappointed: 1/23/2018
Term Expires 1/23/2021
Basem Manneh
District 5 (Canepa)
Appointed: 4/11/2017
Term Expires 12/31/2020

Youth Commissioner: Eeshan Bhat.

Commission Meetings

Meetings of the Parks and Recreation Commission are held regularly on the first Thursday of even-numbered months at 4:00 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Chambers, Hall of Justice, 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063 (see map). Meeting months are February, April, June, August, October and December. The Commission meeting room is wheelchair accessible. Additional meetings may be set by the Commission as needs arise. Meetings are held publicly and are conducted by a quorum of at least three of the Commissioners. Agendas are set for each meeting and minutes are recorded for actions taken. See individual meetings listed below.

2020 Meeting Dates

  • Thursday, February 6*Captain's House, Coyote Point Recreation Area
  • Thursday, April 2Location TBD
  • Thursday, June 4Location TBD
  • Thursday, August 6Location TBD
  • Thursday, October 1Location TBD
  • Thursday, December 3Location TBD

* The February 6 Meeting will be a Special Meeting. It will be held at Captain’s House, Coyote Point Recreation Area, 1701 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo.

View agendas, minutes, and more at the San Mateo County Legistar's Website.

Meeting Rules & Procedures

Learn rules and procedures for speaking before the Parks Commission and distributing communications among the commissioners.

Learn rules and procedures for speaking before the Parks Commission and distributing communications among the commissioners.

Commission Correspondence

Written correspondence addressed to or sent from the San Mateo County Parks Commission.