San Mateo Parks & Recreation Director Sheila Canzian To Retire

SAN MATEO, CA — Sheila Canzian, who has served as San Mateo’s Parks and Recreation Director for 32 years and worked for the city for over 50 years, will retire in June, the city announced.

Canzian is a San Mateo native and second-generation city employee whose father served as a firefighter during World War II, according to a city news release. She began volunteering at Central Park in 1969, and was hired in 1970 as a summer playground leader. She served several roles for the city over the next two decades, including senior supervisor, section manager and community services manager. She was appointed a Parks and Recreation Director in 1990.

Canzian helped create the city’s Shoreline Parks along the bayfront, co-founded the Police Activities League, helped rebuild the Poplar Creek Golf Course, established the Senior Center, updated the Central Park Master Plan, brought a seasonal ice rink to Central Park, created a Learning Education Assistance Program to support school children during the pandemic, and much more.

In recognition of her many accomplishments, she was voted into the American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration in 2021. She has also received a Hall of Fame/Fellowship Award from the California Parks and Recreation Society, and received the Distinguished Professional Award from CPRS District IV.

She has also served on numerous local boards, including the San Mateo Police Activities League, San Mateo Parks Foundation, Peninsula Family Service, Mills Peninsula Hospital Foundation, and St. Johns Cemetery Board.

“I have been blessed to work with a great team of staff and amazing managers over the years,” Canzian said in a statement. “I loved working in San Mateo. It is my community and it is heartwarming to walk through the parks and see so many children and families enjoying what our department provides. Parks bring the community together, whether it be at special events such as the Summer Concerts in the Park series and Winter Wonderland, or for family gatherings such as celebrating birthdays and reunions.”

“Sheila has made immeasurable contributions to the San Mateo community and is an icon in her profession,” said City Manager Drew Corbett. “Our parks and recreation amenities are beloved by so many people and significantly enhance the quality of life here in San Mateo. Our organization has benefited tremendously thanks to her steadfast leadership, wealth of experience and remarkable number of years she spent serving the public.”

Canzian is set to retire June 9.