The Park at Rispin Mansion

Location:  2000 Wharf Road

Park Opening

The City is pleased to share that The Park at Rispin Mansion was opened to the public on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

Some made-to-order furniture has not yet arrived and will be installed once delivered. Additional art installations and site upgrades are also planned, and more details will be shared as those elements are completed. Stay tuned for updates.

Project Overview

The Park at Rispin Mansion is a long-anticipated public park located at the historic Rispin Mansion site in Capitola. While the mansion itself remains closed to the public, the surrounding grounds have been transformed into a new public open space. The park celebrates Capitola’s natural setting and history through native landscaping, walking paths, gathering areas, and interpretive features.

What’s Included

The park features:

• ADA-accessible pathways and a loop trail
• Stamped concrete plazas and seating areas
• Native and riparian landscaping
• Modifications to the historic garden wall
• Fencing, lighting, benches, and waste/recycling bins

These improvements are intended to support quiet enjoyment, passive recreation, and appreciation of the site’s history and environment.

Future Enhancements

Some originally envisioned features were not included in this phase due to budget constraints and may be considered in the future as funding becomes available, including:

• Additional landscaping
• Public art or interpretive elements
• Garden features

Funding

The base construction contract for the park was awarded at $949,000. In May 2025, the City Council approved a $50,000 change order to add decorative stamped concrete areas, funded by Measure Q park improvement funds. The City of Capitola received partial funding from Prop 68 State of California Parks & Water Bond.

Access to the Mansion

The interior of the Rispin Mansion will remain closed to the public for safety reasons. The mansion serves as a historic backdrop, but no restoration or public access is currently planned.

Background

The City acquired the Rispin Mansion property in the 1980s with the goal of creating a public park. After decades of planning and several failed development proposals, the site is finally being brought to life as a public open space that reflects the community’s values and vision.

Contact

For questions or updates about the project, please contact:

Capitola Public Works Department
Email: capitoladpw@ci.capitola.ca.us(link sends e-mail)
Phone: (831) 475‑7300