The Giant Chessboard

The Morro Bay Giant Chessboard located in Centennial Park was first conceived in 1970 as a memorial to the city's centennial celebration. A Cal Poly architecture student designed the chessboard and it opened in 1975. The stairway leading to the chessboard is fabricated from recycled redwood and two dismantled water tanks.
In 1983 the Morro Bay Chess Club built chess tables and benches adjacent to the Giant Chessboard to enhance the chess play experience. You can make a reservation weekdays through the Morro Bay Recreation and Parks Department for a small fee. Visitors can play chess on weekends by contacting the Morro Bay Chess Club on Saturdays.