Conceived in 1970-71 to commemorate the centennial celebration, it was dedicated on December 6, 1975. Mayor Dale Mitchell officially opened the project, and the first game of chess was under way in an hour between two of the chessboard’s main creators, Wachtang ‘Botso’ Korisheli and Wayne Bickford.

The chess pieces were designed by Korisheli based on the Staunton pattern universally used by chess players in tournament competition. The wood for the pieces came from two redwood water tanks which had served the city for 50 years atop Morro Bay Boulevard. Two 6’ x 12’ timbers were glued together and then cut and lathed into 22 inch pawns, 33 inch kings and 31 inch queens. The lathe was especially rigged for this job by Wayne Bickford.

The chess pieces each weigh from 18 to 30 pounds. It has been calculated that in an average game a player will lift more than 1,000 pounds.

The concrete chessboard is made up of alternate black and white 2 foot squares giving an overall dimension of 16 feet by 16 feet.

The Chessboard is public property available for use with a nominal fee. The Morro Bay Recreation Department administers the use of the chessboard.

"The chess pieces were designed by Korisheli based on the Staunton pattern universally used by chess players in tournament competition, " the worldslargestthings.com reports.

"The wood for the pieces came from two redwood water tanks which had served the city for 50 years atop Morro Bay Boulevard. Two 6’ x 12’ timbers were glued together and then cut and lathed into 22 inch pawns, 33 inch kings and 31 inch queens. The lathe was especially rigged for this job by Wayne Bickford."

"The chess pieces are made from two redwood water tanks that had served the city for over 50 years, originally standing on Morro Bay Boulevard," the weirdca.com reports

"It is estimated that in an average game, a player will end up lifting over 1000 pounds. Each square of the chessboard is 2 feet by 2 feet with the total board being 16 feet by 16 feet."

"In 1983, the Morro Bay Chess Club added the chess tables that are located next to the Giant Chessboard. The Chess Club meets on Saturdays to play chess and show off the board. The Giant Chessboard is also available for reservations for a small fee."

"The town brings out 40-lb. chess pieces for play on Saturday afternoons, and conducts an annual game with human chess pieces, the Roadside America reports.

"One of our favorite places to visit, this coastal town has a giant chess board in a park on the Embarcadero. You can rent it for a small fee or play hop scotch on it for free!", says a visitor.

"I like the Giant Chessboard, watching people play chess is very entertaining and it was fun watching them move the pieces."

"The stairway to Centennial Parkway offers nice views of Morro Bay as well as the giant Chessboard below! Plenty of seating to sit and watch players in action or catch a game to play yourself. Public restrooms are close and right on the Embarcadero."

"This area of Morro Bay is a must if you are in town. There are several shops with local items to purchase as well as several restaurants to choose from."

"They have a giant chess board and several areas to just sit and take in the salty air. Fun to people watch here as well!"

"Giant chess game... prefect for teaching a child the rules of the game. The city does a good job of keeping things clean and neat and the public restrooms are right across the driveway."