Ponderosa Park

A Western Oasis in the City

Situated in Sunnyvale, Ponderosa Park spreads across 9.1 acres with a charming Western theme that sets it apart from your typical neighborhood green space. The park features a nice canopy of shade trees - the tall Sequoia and Ponderosa pines create a tranquil retreat that keeps things cool even during hot California days.

Get Your Game On

If you're the active type, you'll come across plenty to love here. The park sports a pair of tennis courts and basketball courts that stay open until 10 p.m. thanks to good lighting. Fair warning: these spots can get pretty busy on weekends, but the surfaces are well-maintained and worth the potential wait.

Not into tennis or basketball? No problem. There's also a sand volleyball court (you'll need to bring your own net), horseshoe pits, and a bocce ball court for those who prefer their sports with a bit more leisure mixed in. The expansive grassy field gives you plenty of room to kick a soccer ball, toss a frisbee, fly a kite, or just make up your own game as you go.

Kid-Friendly Fun

The little ones haven't been forgotten - the park features thoughtfully designed playground areas with separate structures for different age groups. From climbing adventures to slides and monkey bars, there's something to keep kids entertained for hours. Many play areas sit under shade trees, making summer playdates much more bearable.

There's also a sandbox for creative play, and parts of the playground feature that spongy rubberized ground that makes falls less dramatic. Note that if you're visiting in early 2024, the playground is currently getting a makeover, with the new and improved version expected to debut around October 2024.

Gather & Grill

Planning a get-together? Ponderosa offers three reservable picnic sites that can accommodate groups of various sizes. Two of these sites come with electrical outlets - handy for those portable speakers or crockpots. Across the park, you can find BBQ pits ready for your grilling adventures.

Many of the picnic spots are nestled under those magnificent shade trees, creating natural outdoor dining rooms. Various groups - including local seniors - regularly meet here.

The Practical Stuff

You can find clean restrooms in the community house and at convenient locations around the park. Water fountains are available for humans and four-legged friends alike, with lower basins just for dogs.

Winding paths crisscross the grounds, ideal for a stroll, jog, bike ride, or skate session. When you need a breather, benches scattered throughout offer quiet spots to sit and take in the scenery.

Room to Roam

Right next to the park, you can access reservable multi-use sports and ballfields on school property (when school's out, of course), giving you even more recreational options. Two dedicated parking lots make visiting convenient, but they can fill up during peak times - just like any popular community spot.