Central Park

Central Park is a 52-acre public park located in Santa Clara, California. Commissioned in 1960 to meet the recreational needs of the city's growing population, the park was designed by Robert Royston and completed in 1974 after being constructed in 17 phases.

The park is divided into two sections by Saratoga Creek. The western area contains group and individual picnic facilities, children's play areas, public restrooms, an amphitheater, parking, two lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, and a 30,000 square foot Community Recreation Center which serves as a hub for the city's recreation programs.

On the eastern side of the creek lies the George F. Haines International Swim Center, a world-famous facility that has been a training ground for Olympic swimmers. This section also features the Bob Fatjo Sports Center with softball fields, the Santa Clara Tennis Center with 8 lighted tennis courts and a practice wall, open green spaces, a lake, large group picnic areas, additional parking, public restrooms, a lawn bowling green, and an exercise course. The Central Park Library is also located on this side of the park.

At the center of the park is a two-acre lake surrounded by redwood groves and meadows. A 75-foot-tall open-air pavilion lined with wisteria provides a striking visual element. The park's thoughtful design incorporates well-defined communal and private spaces, carefully planned pathways offering varied views, and a diverse plant palette including trees, shrubs, and ground cover.

On designated holidays, 57 United States flags are displayed along Kiely Boulevard at the front of Central Park, creating an impressive "Avenue of Flags" that honors the nation's heritage.