50 Years of Foster City
An abbreviated timeline of Foster City’s history from founding to present day.
1898
1898
Frank Brewer purchases the future site of Foster City for a dairy farm.
Frank Brewer purchases the future site of Foster City for a dairy farm.
1925
1925
The original San Mateo Bridge begins construction to connect to the East Bay.
The original San Mateo Bridge begins construction to connect to the East Bay.
1958
1958
T. Jack Foster purchases Brewer Island as the site for his new city project.
T. Jack Foster purchases Brewer Island as the site for his new city project.
1961
1961
Ground is broken on the site. A massive fill operation commences to raise the level of the original island.
Ground is broken on the site. A massive fill operation commences to raise the level of the original island.
1963
1963
The first houses are completed in Neighborhood 1.
The first houses are completed in Neighborhood 1.
1964
1964
The first Foster City residents move in on Pilgrim Drive.
The first Foster City residents move in on Pilgrim Drive.
1965
1965
The original Foster City School opens.
The original Foster City School opens.
1966
1966
Foster City exceeds 5,000 residents.
Foster City exceeds 5,000 residents.
1967
1967
The Foster City Association of Black Residents is formed.
The Foster City Association of Black Residents is formed.
1968
1968
Audubon School and Hillbarn Theatre open.
Audubon School and Hillbarn Theatre open.
1969
1969
Bowditch Middle School opens.
Bowditch Middle School opens.
1970
1970
The City of San Mateo rejects the annexation of Foster City.
The City of San Mateo rejects the annexation of Foster City.
1971
1971
Foster City is incorporated and Wayne McFadden becomes the first mayor.
Foster City is incorporated and Wayne McFadden becomes the first mayor.
1972
1972
William Walker becomes mayor.
William Walker becomes mayor.
1976
1976
Substantial improvements are made along the Bay Trail including tree planting and preservation of wildlife habitat.
Substantial improvements are made along the Bay Trail including tree planting and preservation of wildlife habitat.
1979
1979
Central Park renamed Leo J. Ryan Park.
Central Park renamed Leo J. Ryan Park.
1983
1983
The Foster City birthday celebration and the Art & Wine Festival are merged into one event.
The Foster City birthday celebration and the Art & Wine Festival are merged into one event.
1984
1984
Construction begins on the new Foster City Elementary School.
Construction begins on the new Foster City Elementary School.
1988
1988
Kids Connection opens for Preschool.
Kids Connection opens for Preschool.
1992
1992
Foster City Community Chorus is founded.
Foster City Community Chorus is founded.
1995
1995
Brewer Island Elementary School opens.
Brewer Island Elementary School opens.
1997
1997
The new Foster City Library and Community Center is opened.
The new Foster City Library and Community Center is opened.
1999
1999
A new Dog Park opens at Foster City Blvd. and Bounty Dr.
A new Dog Park opens at Foster City Blvd. and Bounty Dr.
2000
2000
The Senior Wing addition to the Recreation Center is completed.
The Senior Wing addition to the Recreation Center is completed.
2001
2001
The old Council Chambers are torn down, and new construction begins.
The old Council Chambers are torn down, and new construction begins.
2003
2003
The new Government Center complex opens, including new City Hall, Council Chambers, Police Department, and Fire Department.
The new Government Center complex opens, including new City Hall, Council Chambers, Police Department, and Fire Department.
2005
2005
A massive refurbishment of Leo J. Ryan Park, including construction of 2 bocce ball courts, is completed.
A massive refurbishment of Leo J. Ryan Park, including construction of 2 bocce ball courts, is completed.
2009
2009
The new VIBE Teen Center opens.
The new VIBE Teen Center opens.
2015
2015
3 new parks, Baywinds, Shorebird, and Bridgeview, are open to the public.
3 new parks, Baywinds, Shorebird, and Bridgeview, are open to the public.
2021
2021