Media Contact:
Christa Bigue
San Mateo County Libraries
communications@smcl.org
ATHERTON, CA — Community members, library leaders and town officials gathered Saturday, June 27, to celebrate the grand opening of the new Atherton Library Children’s Garden, a 6,200-square-foot outdoor space designed to inspire exploration, creativity and a lifelong connection to nature.
The celebration featured remarks from Atherton Mayor Stacy Holland and Vice Mayor Rick DeGolia, who also serves as Chair of the San Mateo County Libraries Joint Powers Authority Governing Board, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and family-friendly activities including nature-inspired play, storytime and hands-on maker activities.
"This garden reflects our community's commitment to nurturing children's physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth," said Atherton Mayor Stacy Holland. "It is a living testament to what can be achieved when community members, partners and local organizations come together to create something meaningful for future generations."
Located on the west side of Atherton Library beneath a grove of redwood and oak trees, the new garden offers an accessible environment where children and families can play, learn and gather outdoors. Features include a willow hut, tree house, natural branch tunnel, climbing boulder, reflective play elements, hand-carved seating and an outdoor classroom area connected to the library's makerspace.
"Libraries have always stood for the belief that access to knowledge, resources and opportunity should be available to everyone, and that principle doesn't stop at the library doors," said Vice Mayor Rick DeGolia, Chair of the San Mateo County Libraries Joint Powers Authority Governing Board. "This garden honors a beloved part of Atherton's past while creating new opportunities for children and families to explore, imagine, learn and connect with nature."
Inspired by the cherished children's garden behind the old Atherton Library, the project was shaped by community input and made possible through a partnership between San Mateo County Libraries, the Town of Atherton and the Friends of the Atherton Library. The garden was designed by Miller Company Landscape Architects, constructed by Selway Construction, and supported by Interwest Consulting. Funding for the $682,000 project was provided through the San Mateo County Library Joint Powers Authority and a $10,000 donation from the Friends of the Atherton Library.
"The Children's Garden expands the library experience beyond our walls and creates new opportunities for children and families to learn, imagine and connect with nature," said Anne-Marie Despain, Director of San Mateo County Libraries. "We're grateful to our partners, community members and supporters who helped bring this vision to life. This space reflects our commitment to creating welcoming places where people of all ages can discover, learn and connect."
About San Mateo County Libraries
San Mateo County Libraries is a Joint Powers Authority that operates libraries in the communities of Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, North Fair Oaks, Pacifica, Portola Valley, San Carlos and Woodside. San Mateo County Libraries build meaningful connections and inspire lifelong curiosity. Visit smcl.org for information about our community libraries, extensive digital and physical collections, innovative services, and numerous online resources and virtual programs and events.
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