Dave Brubeck Park

Park Overview

Stretching along Concord Boulevard between Mendocino Drive and Denkinger Road sits Dave Brubeck Park, an 8-acre green space named after legendary jazz musician and Concord native Dave Brubeck. Nestled right next to Concord High School, this neighborhood park offers a refreshing escape with its gently rolling terrain and shady trees surrounding a spacious open meadow. At the heart of the park stands a raised concrete stage - a reminder of community gatherings past. Just a heads-up if you're bringing little ones or four-legged friends: one side of the park opens to a busy street, so you'll want to keep an extra watchful eye.

Musical Heritage

This park has quite an interesting musical history. From 1969 to 1974, it transformed into the vibrant home of the Concord Summer Festival (later renamed the Concord Jazz Festival), drawing crowds of up to 17,000 jazz enthusiasts. Music legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Pearl Bailey, George Shearing, and yes, Dave Brubeck himself, once performed in this space.

The park's musical tradition continued with the Singing Flag 4th of July performances from 1988 to 2013. These patriotic celebrations became a tradition for many Concord families, featuring the Calvary Temple Church Choir, tributes to veterans, and fireworks during the summer.

Amenities and Features

Today, Dave Brubeck Park represents a peaceful neighborhood retreat. While it may not host massive concerts anymore, it offers a wonderful setting for everyday enjoyment.

Little ones can burn off energy at the small children's playground - nothing fancy, but enough to keep the younger crowd entertained. Scattered throughout are several picnic areas with tables, many equipped with charcoal grills for those weekend cookouts. A gravel walking path meanders through the grounds, well-suited for a leisurely stroll.

One of the park's nice features is its collection of beautiful mature trees providing good shade, making hot summer days more comfortable. The expansive grassy area gives you plenty of room to toss a frisbee, play fetch with your dog, or simply spread out a blanket and relax.

Community Significance

Though the days of massive jazz festivals may be behind it, Dave Brubeck Park continues to serve the Concord community as a green space for outdoor activities and as a reminder of the city's musical heritage.

Visitor Information

The park is very dog-friendly, but your furry companions need to stay leashed as there's no fenced area for off-leash play. Finding parking can be a bit tricky, especially when school's in session at the adjacent high school, since the park doesn't have its own dedicated lot. Just so you know before you go: there are no public restrooms available on site.