The Kohl Pumphouse The historic Kohl Pumphouse, built between 1890 and 1910, and the pony shed, near the rose garden, are the only surviving buildings that pre-date the city's acquisition of the Central Park property. Water was pumped from the original well, 240 feet deep, at the rate of 150 gallons per minute. Two large redwood tanks once stood on platforms 35 feet high behind the building. Originally constructed with a dirt floor, no indoor plumbing or heating, and an unfinished interior, the pumphouse building later served for years as a workshop for park maintenance.  In 1976, the San Mateo Arboretum Society restored and modernized the building and it now serves as the organization's headquarters and meeting place.  The pump mechanism is still housed inside and continues to provide water for park landscaping and the adjoining garden center. Copyright 2010.  All rights reserved. 101 9th Avenue | San Mateo, CA 94401-4202 Tel. (650) 579-0536 Original Web Design by Vincent Lee Design, 2009; Ongoing maintenance by Dan Alvear, SMAS The Arboretum Society Address & Map Central Park The Kohl Pumphouse The Rose Garden Facility Rental Membership Volunteering About Us Events Greenhouse Join Us! Home About Us Events Greenhouse Join Us! Volunteer Home