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Atherton Library celebrated the grand opening of its Children’s Garden, a 6,200-square-foot outdoor space designed for children and their families to play, learn and enjoy a natural environment.
“This garden reflects our community’s commitment to nurturing children’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth,” said Atherton Mayor Stacy Holland on Saturday, June 27. “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 garden contains a willow hut, a tree house and an outdoor classroom area connected to the library’s makerspace.
“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.
The $682,000 project was approved by the Atherton City Council last year. Funding was provided by the San Mateo County Library Joint Powers Authority and a $10,000 donation from the Friends of the Atherton Library. The garden, inspired by a similar locale behind the old Atherton Library, was designed by Miller Company Landscape Architects and constructed by Selway Construction.
Following remarks from Holland and Vice Mayor Rick DeGolia, the event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, storytime and hands-on maker activities.
“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 Atherton Vice Mayor Rick DeGolia, the 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.”
