Central Park
Interactive Park Map
About the Location
Park Overview
Found in the heart of Santa Clara, California, Central Park spans 52 acres of recreational space. The park was completed in 1974 after being constructed in 17 phases. Landscape architect Robert Royston designed the park back in 1960 when the city realized its growing population needed more green space to breathe and play.
Park Layout
Saratoga Creek naturally divides the park into two distinct sections. On the western side, you'll come across both group and individual picnic spots, playgrounds for the little ones, clean public restrooms, an amphitheater, and parking areas. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy two lighted tennis courts and basketball courts. The western section is also home to the impressive 30,000 square foot Community Recreation Center, which functions as the heartbeat of Santa Clara's recreation programs and offers a variety of classes for everyone.
The park offers plenty of green space, with pathways that reveal different views as you wander. Shaded walking trails run through the grounds, good for jogging or strolling beneath mature trees.
Athletic Facilities
Cross over to the eastern side of the creek and you'll discover the George F. Haines International Swim Center, a facility so renowned it has produced Olympic swimming champions. This area also features the Bob Fatjo Sports Center with softball fields, and the Santa Clara Tennis Center equipped with 8 lighted courts and a practice wall. You'll also find expansive green spaces, a serene lake, large group picnic areas, additional parking, public restrooms, a lawn bowling green, and an exercise course to help you stay fit.
For the sports-minded, the basketball courts offer a place to shoot hoops, and the newly added pickleball courts have a reservation system for planning your game time.
Lake and Wildlife
The heart of Central Park features a two-acre lake surrounded by majestic redwood groves and open meadows. A fountain sits in the water feature, which is home to a variety of ducks and geese. Watching these waterfowl can be delightful, however keep in mind that the shoreline areas might have some droppings to navigate around.
Playgrounds
Central Park offers several playgrounds for families with children. The recently opened Magical Bridge Playground is an inclusive play space designed for children of all abilities. Whether your little ones have special needs or are typically developing, they'll find joy in the musical elements, slides, swings, and creative play structures. The playground is gated for safety, and attracts families from throughout the region.
Library and Central Features
The eastern side of the park houses the Central Park Library, making it easy to combine outdoor recreation with literary exploration. Having the library and park side by side makes it easy to enjoy both recreational and literary activities.
Park Design
The park features a 75-foot-tall open-air pavilion draped with wisteria. This architectural highlight not only provides visual interest but also represents a venue for concerts and community gatherings. Around the park, you'll notice thoughtful design elements: distinct communal and private spaces, carefully crafted pathways offering changing vistas, and a rich variety of plants including trees, shrubs, and ground cover.
Events and Activities
The park comes alive with community events year-round. Summer evenings bring the popular summer concert series with live music under the stars. Cultural celebrations, festivals, and holiday events like the annual tree lighting ceremony draw crowds of happy participants. The Art and Wine Festival attracts visitors from neighboring communities.
Picnic Areas
The park has numerous picnic areas with tables and BBQ grills for family gatherings and celebrations. If you're planning something larger, certain areas can be reserved in advance, including a central covered area that works wonderfully for bigger gatherings.
Special Features
On select holidays, the park pays tribute to American heritage with an impressive display known as the "Avenue of Flags". This installation features 57 United States flags lining Kiely Boulevard at the front of Central Park.
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