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The City of San Carlos is moving ahead at a sure and steady pace with its downtown project, focusing currently on the 700 block of Laurel Street and Harrington Park.
During a public meeting on March 10, the City Council reviewed updates on key design elements, including site furnishings, paving materials, lighting, and a proposed water fountain – the highlight of the discussion
To give you a better idea on what the upcoming pedestrian plaza will look like, we’ve compiled some photos and diagrams below. These are courtesy of the City of San Carlos, WRT (Urban Planning Consultants), and Fluidity (Fountain Designs).
Pedestrian-Friendly Design & Green Spaces
The city plans to add more greenery and shade to make the area feel more natural and enjoyable year-round. Permeable pavers will be used to improve storm water management, while bio-retention areas with custom benches will offer visitors a chance to engage with green spaces. The addition of play structures, murals, and a life-size chess board is fun both for children and adults.
Movable tables and chairs near the canopy structure will provide flexibility for outdoor events. Bridge crossings over bio-retention zones will also enhance connectivity.
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Lighting Enhancements for Safety & Atmosphere
The new lighting system is a beauty, and it aims to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The city is considering traditional streetlights as well as modern smart poles that could include Wi-Fi and charging outlets.
Additional lighting elements, such as pedestrian bollards, integrated bench lighting, and bridge-crossing lights, will improve both safety and aesthetics. This will ensure the area remains well-lit and visually appealing in the evening.
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Performance & Gathering Spaces
The Stage / Pavilion is a key feature of the redesign, serving as a space for performances and community gatherings.
Seating arrangements are strategically placed to maintain clear sightlines while preserving pedestrian flow. The front of the Pavilion is able to accommodate 500-700 people for standing events and 250-350 for seated gatherings. Meanwhile, the space behind, meant for audiences of smaller gatherings, can accommodate 300-400 people.
Three Water Fountain Designs Under Consideration
The City Council is reviewing three potential water feature designs, each offering a unique look and function.
Option 1: The Splash Pad
- Rock Sculpture Fountain + Scrim Pool + Interactive “Blooms”Jets.
- Interactive Water Feature triggers 4000 gallon tank and increased.
- Water from Scrim Pool gets reused through filtration and sanitation – additional $500,000 in cost.
- Scrim pool without blooms on can act as a reflector. It can also be turned off to allow for more “dry” circulation.
- Benches at either end are inward looking at sculpture and kids.
While this design encourages play, it also presents challenges such as high maintenance, the risk of kids getting soaked before visiting nearby businesses, and a steep $1.5 million price tag—$500,000 over budget. However, its nighttime lighting effects could make it a striking visual element.
Option 2: The Fog
- Rock sculpture Fountain + Fog.
- No Interactive water feature.
- Benches at either end are inward looking at sculpture and fog.
- Fog uses potable water and is not recaptured. Rock sculpture water would be recirculated, chemically-treated water.
- Color-changing light + fog creates night time attraction. Fog extends use into night and in colder months.
Without an interactive water system, this design stays within budget and is usable year-round. Color-changing lights would add a nighttime glow, but concerns remain about wind dispersal, potential impacts on outdoor dining, and water waste. Photo above is from PWP Landscape Architecture, with their project in Harvard University – the Tanner Fountain.
Option 3: The Art Rock
- Rock Sculpture Fountain on Overflowing Plinth.
- No Interactive water feature.
- Benches at either end are inward looking at sculpture.
- Pool plinth treats sculpture as art.
- System would be recirculated, chemically-treated water.
This option offers a timeless and elegant aesthetic with recirculating, chemically treated water and integrated seating. As the least disruptive and most practical choice, it also opens up opportunities for local artistic collaboration, making it a centerpiece for the revitalized downtown.
The Results
As of March 25, 2025
- Fountain 1: The Splash Pad 25%
- Fountain 2: The Fog 8%
- Fountain 3: The Art Rock 67%
Comments:
- “I’d love to see something for 8th grade -16 yr old graders”
- “No water feature – added expense and upkeep…”
- “Although I would prefer the “Fog” , but due to winds creating a problem I’ll vote for #3. #1 could prove hazardous to users.”
- “I don\’t think we should have a water feature at all given our drought-prone climate. I consider Option 3 the best of choices.”
Council & Community Reactions
Discussions about the water feature sparked a lively discussion. Some council members supported an interactive fountain, saying it would attract families and bring energy to the downtown space. Others raised concerns about maintenance and the possibility of wet children wandering into nearby shops.
The fog concept received some support, with one public commenter noting how refreshing mist can feel on a hot day—like walking through a rainforest. On the other hand, worries about water conservation remained.
The sculptural fountain seemed to be the most balanced choice. It provides visual appeal without requiring extensive maintenance or additional infrastructure.
Although a final decision has not yet been made, Council agreed they all wanted an interactive element—but not one that would leave kids and visitors drenched. Mayor Sarah McDowell pointed out that splash pads are typically found in parks and large open spaces, not tight urban areas where wet kids could create issues for businesses.
Cost estimates of each option range from $1-1.5 million for (1) the interactive splash pad, while (2) the fog and (3) the art rock fountain options fall between $500,000-750,000.
What’s Next for the Downtown Redesign
The City with its consultants will continue refining its downtown redesign in the next weeks, ensuring the water feature fits within the broader vision for Laurel Street and Harrington Park.
Discussions will focus on integrating community art, repurposing memorial pavers, and improving public amenities such as restrooms.
With a final decision expected in the coming months, San Carlos residents are excited for a beautiful downtown in 2026
Stay Informed
For more details and updates on the project, visit the City of San Carlos website or attend upcoming public meetings.
For More News
For more of what’s happening in and around San Carlos, please visit San Carlos Life Blog
About the Authors
Mark Martinho and Vivienne Kelvin are the hosts of San Carlos Life and have been residents of San Carlos for years. While running San Carlos Life together with an awesome team, Mark and Viv are also in the business of real estate. They are co-owners of Vabrato Real Estate, a luxury real estate brokerage serving the City of Good Living, and the whole of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
With over 30 years of combined experience in the business and 95% of their clients coming in from referrals, Mark and Viv take great pride and joy in exceeding your expectations.
