Las Palmas Park

Tropical Paradise in Silicon Valley

Tucked away in Sunnyvale, California lies Las Palmas Park - a 24.3-acre slice of tropical bliss that feels miles away from the tech bustle surrounding it. With its Polynesian theme, featuring a pond surrounded by palm trees, this park offers a touch of island atmosphere in Silicon Valley.

At the center of it all stands a "tropical island" playground that kids absolutely adore. Thoughtfully designed with little ones in mind, the playground splits into two separate areas - a gentler space for the toddlers (ages 2-5) and a more adventurous zone with taller slides and climbing structures for the older crowd.

Recreation for Everyone

Sports enthusiasts and those looking to relax will find plenty of options at Las Palmas. The adjacent City-owned tennis center and pro shop features 16 lighted tennis courts alongside increasingly popular pickleball courts.

Need to practice your backhand after work? No problem - these courts stay lit until 10 p.m., meant for those evening matches when the day cools down.

The park's expansive grassy fields invite you to bring out your volleyball net, soccer ball, or frisbee for impromptu games. Drop by on any given day and you might find yourself joining one of the regular pickup volleyball games that have become something of a local tradition.

Bright blue water feature at Las Palmas Park playground

Photo: silvereye (CC BY 2.0)

Gather, Play, Relax

Planning a get-together? The park features four picnic areas complete with electrical outlets and BBQ facilities - ideal for everything from birthday celebrations to family reunions.

Dog parents will appreciate the fenced dog park with thoughtfully separated sections for small pups (under 25 lbs) and their larger counterparts, creating a safe environment for four-legged friends to run and socialize.

Sports teams can reserve the ballfield for organized games, while the versatile multi-use field accommodates various activities for casual players and serious athletes alike.

A Touch of the Tropics

What really sets Las Palmas apart are its distinctive water features. The playground partially surrounds a picturesque pond with dancing fountains, while two Easter Island-style statue heads serve as quirky fountain elements that reinforce the tropical theme.

Majestic palm trees stand tall around the park, not just adding to the island vibe but offering welcome patches of shade on sunny California days. Keep your eyes on the treetops and you might spot members of the wild parrot colony (Cherry-headed conures) that call this park home.

Practical Matters

You can find clean restroom facilities in the main building, but fair warning - they might be a bit of a trek from certain areas when the park is busy.

Need space for a special event? The park's community hall is available for rent, making it excellent for larger gatherings.

Located at 850 Russet Drive, Las Palmas is easy to find, but the parking lot fills up quickly during peak times. Not to worry - there's plenty of street parking available in the surrounding neighborhood if you don't mind a short walk.