The Park at Rispin Mansion

Location:  2000 Wharf Road
 

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 are being transformed into a vibrant public open space. The park will celebrate Capitola’s unique natural environment and history through native landscaping, walking paths, gathering spaces, and interpretive features.

Project Status

Construction is underway!

Initial work began in Spring 2024, and the park was originally scheduled to open by late 2024. Additional amenities were approved by City Council in May 2025, extending the project timeline. The park is now anticipated to be completed in late summer 2025.

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 elements were designed to enhance the site's natural beauty, provide educational opportunities, and create a unique public space for quiet enjoyment and passive recreation.

What’s Not Included (Yet)

Several originally envisioned features were excluded from the current construction phase due to budget constraints:

• Bocce court
• Garden arbor
• Additional landscaping
• Public art or interpretive elements

These improvements may be added in future phases as funding becomes available.

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