History of the Lake in Emerald Hills

July 13, 2010

Emerald Lake was incorporated September 17, 1920, as a not for profit athletic, recreational and social facility. On August 25, 1926, the Anglo-California Trust Company of San Francisco deeded the property to the Emerald Lake Country Club for the sum of $10, with the following conditions: no building of any bar rooms, livery stables, undertaking establishments or blacksmith shops.

The lake began as a watering hole for cattle and for the stage coach horses that traveled between Pescadero and Redwood City in the late 19th century. The lake was later improved as a recreational facility for owners and renters of cabins in the area who came to escape the summer fog in San Francisco.

The water that fills the lake comes from several seasonal creeks. The lake itself is about 1.75 acres.

Email Print

Filed Under Elks Club, Green, Parks, Redwood City, Trivia, Twitter, Uncategorized

WATER DOG LAKE LOOP TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS

December 9, 2009

The City of Belmont is working in partnership with local volunteers to realign the Water Dog Lake Loop Trail. The improvements will make the trail easier for hikers to navigate, especially during wet weather. There is an existing trail that goes around the lake, but it was built below the high water mark which makes it diffi cult to pass in spots, even for hiking. Thanks to a diligent group of volunteers andBelmont Parks and Recreation staff, the new trail will be a minimum of 15 feet above the waterline of Water Dog Lake, which will allow year round use. The existing trail along the far west end of the lake will be re-vegetated to improve the quality of the wetlands. In addition to realignment, the project includes four small bike/pedestrian bridges, which will assist users to cross drainages and the spillway.

So far volunteers have finished realigning half of the trail, but the remaining half and the bridges need additional work. When the realignment is completed the trail will be above the high water mark, and wide enough for strollers, which will make it a great destination for hiking, biking, and family outings.

To volunteer and help finish the improvements contact: Passion Trail Bikes Belmont Parks and Recreation 650-620-9798, 650-595-7441 or email patty@passiontrailbikes.com parksrec@belmont.gov