With more than 10,000 trees spread throughout its neighborhoods, it should come as no surprise that Menlo Park is home to many parks. All Menlo Park parks are well-kept and make great places to take your family. Some parks are even especially designed for your pets. Some have special play areas for children and sports fields. Other parks stand out because of their convenient location. All parks in the city have a certain charm, much like the Menlo Park communities where these parks are located.
Menlo Park Family Parks
Bedwell Bayfront Park
Located east of Highway 101 at the foot of Marsh Road, this park is characterized by biking and walk trails and large open spaces. It is also home to annual Kite Day festivities.
Marketplace Park
The city's newest park is found across from the Boys and Girls Club. It may just cover an acre, but it features include a full playground, walkways, and an open grassy area.
Sharon Park
Mixing paved walkways with grassy areas, this park is a favorite spot for locals to push strollers, go for a jog, take a walk, or sunbathe.
Burgess Park
Dating to 1948, this was one of the first city-owned parks in Menlo Park. The 9.31-acre park, located next to the Civic Center complex, includes various sports fields, a special children's play area, picnic areas, and an open play field. Local pool, fitness, and athletic facilities are adjacent to the park.
Nealon Park
Renamed for Senator James J. Nealon, this park offers plenty of places for children to play. Features include basketball courts, baseball fields, lighted tennis courts, and picnic areas.
Stanford Hills Park
This 3.11-acre park includes walkways and benches and plenty of open space to fly a kite, toss a few baseballs, or just relax.
Fremont Park
Found right in Downtown Menlo Park, this 0.38-acre park isn't that big, but it still serves as an oasis from city life. The park hosts the city's annual Summer Concert series. Fremont Park also offers amenities such as lighted walkways, numerous benches and drinking fountains and plenty of shady areas to stay cool.
Seminary Oaks Park
One of the city's newest parks, you'll find walking paths, benches, a children's play area, and an open field among the special features that make this park a neighborhood favorite. The Serenity Rock Garden is one of the unique features of this park.
Tinker Park
A fenced-in children's playground and picnic area are among the special features that make this park standout. Tennis courts are found at nearby Hillview Middle School.
Jack W. Lyle Park
Named after the only active duty police officer killed in the city, this park is nestled right in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Special features include walking paths, a children's playground, sports areas, and a half-basketball court.
Sharon Hills Park
Located west of Alameda, this park includes scenic views from just about every location. Benches and walkways blended with perfect landscaping add to the beauty of this park.
Willow Oaks Park
Nestled next to Willow Oaks Elementary School, this park is frequently used for weekend soccer matches. Additional features include lighted tennis courts and an off-leash dog area.
Kelly Park
This 8.3-acre park was recently renovated. Improvements include tennis courts, a lighted soccer field, updated restroom facilities, and a full track. Nearby facilities include a senior center, youth center, and a health clinic.
Menlo Park Pet Parks
• Willow Oaks Park
Willow Road at Coleman Ave, Menlo Park
• Nealon Park
800 Middle Ave, Menlo Park
Other pet-friendly parks in the San Francisco Peninsula include:
• Bayside Dog Park, Washington Park (Burlingame)
• Boat Park (Foster City)
• Bark Park (Colma)
• Los Prados (San Mateo)
• Centennial Dog Park (San Francisco)
Menlo Park Parks with Fields
• Belle Haven School (soccer, little league)
• Burgess Park (soccer, little league, baseball)
• Hillview School (soccer)
• Jack W. Lyle Park (soccer)
• Kelly Park Soccer (tennis, basketball, artificial turf)
• La Entrada School (soccer, little league)
• Nealson Park (soccer, softball)
• Oak Knoll School (soccer, little league)
• Willow Oaks Park (soccer, baseball)