Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Photograph by George Sakkestad

Erica Bottomley, 7, climbs through a sunny tunnel at Howes Playlot.

Play Grounds

The price is right for those seeking to barbecue, hike or play on the swings

By Shari Kaplan

What if there were all-purpose fun spots with activities for the whole family to enjoy free of cost that were, at tops, a five-minute drive from almost anywhere in Los Gatos? What if these varied venues included modern play equipment; picnic tables; barbecues and pits; grass for eating, sunbathing, lawn sports and kite-flying; shady trees for reading or snoozing; fields and courts for playing sports; hiking trails and a par course?

Such spots do exist. They are the Los Gatos town parks.

And for a town dwarfed by many neighboring cities in terms of both population and size, it is still big in at least one of its attributes--its more than a dozen neighborhood parks. Having so many places so close by is a good thing; now that school is out and El Niño has apparently departed, the summer is as filled with children as the spring was with pollen.

Following is a list of parks, their locations and individual attractions. Regulations that apply to all parks include: hours are 8 a.m. to a half-hour after sunset; beer and wine are permitted only with picnic meals; dogs must remain on leashes; and swimming or wading in creeks is prohibited. For more information about parks, call the Department of Parks and Public Works at 399-5770.

Bachman Park
Bachman Avenue and Belmont Street.
On-street parking.

A frequent winner in "Best of Los Gatos" reader surveys, this quiet park is on 3.6 acres surrounded by residences. It includes a playground, a sand play area, picnic tables, a basketball court, a paved walking trail and a spacious lawn. There are also many majestic oak trees to offer shade from the summer sun.

Belgatos Park
Off Blossom Hill Road at the end of Belgatos Road.
Free parking area.

Of its 17 acres of natural woodlands, there are 7.4 that were developed to offer lawn areas, picnic tables, restrooms and a playground. The park is also an access point for outdoor enthusiasts who use the 1.5 miles of trails for hiking, jogging and horseback riding.

Blossom Hill Park
Blossom Hill Road, adjacent to Blossom Hill School.
On-street parking along Shannon Road or Blossom Hill Road.

This highly visible, 9.2-acre park is perfect for sports fans as well as casual users. It consists of six lighted tennis courts, a baseball diamond, barbecue pits, picnic tables, restrooms, a playground and lots of lawn space for games or relaxation.

Fairview Plaza

This small, landscaped area at the end of Fairview Plaza was deeded to Los Gatos in 1915 by the McCullagh family, with the stipulation that the land remain a park forever.

Howes Playlot
Off Union Ave., between Howes Avenue and Thomas Drive.
On-street parking.

This half-acre area is truly the epitome of the small park frequented by neighborhood kids but not well-trafficked by outsiders. It consists of a playground, a grassy area and a redwood shade shelter--a welcome touch on sunny days.

La Rinconada Park
Wedgewood Drive and Granada Way.
On-street parking.

This neighborhood park consists of 14 acres of natural vegetation and lawn areas with a creekside setting. Along with a 0.4-mile trail and a par course, La Rinconada Park--which backs up against the country club of the same name--offers a tennis court, picnic tables, barbecue pits and a playground.

Live Oak Manor Park
Corner of Carlton Avenue and Gateway Drive.
On-street parking.

Located in a quiet, residential area, this 4.09-acre park may be narrow, but that doesn't cut down on its wide range of fun. It offers a playground, a basketball court, a volleyball court and a grassy lawn area.

Los Gatos Creek Trail

Although not technically a town park, the Los Gatos Creek Trail is a popular attraction for people of all outdoor persuasions. It begins at Lexington Reservoir's dam, winds through St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve and Novitiate Park in the hills, then meanders through town, past Forbes Mill Museum, through Vasona Lake County Park and into Vasona Lake. From there, it continues through Los Gatos Creek County Park and into the city of Campbell.

Novitiate Park
At the end of Jones Road off College Avenue.
No on-site parking; visitors can park at the Los Gatos Civic Center and walk up.

Formerly a vineyard run by the local Novitiate Seminarians, the site is now eight acres of meadows that overlook Los Gatos Creek. It's a good place to bring a field guide to identify all the wildflowers, trees and birds in the area. From the park, hikers can access a trail that leads to St. Joseph's Open Space Preserve.

Oak Hill Playlot
Garden Lane and Oak Park Drive.
On-street parking.

Even smaller than the Howes Playlot, Oak Hill is only 0.25 acres in size, but that's enough to offer a pleasant lawn and playground.

Oak Meadow Park
University Avenue and Blossom Hill Road.
Parking lot off Blossom Hill Road. Residents park free. From March through October, nonresidents pay $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends.

The most popular town park, Oak Meadow comprises 12 acres of natural vegetation and plenty of grass for lawn activities. Surrounding the park are groves of oaks and other native trees, with the Los Gatos Creek bubbling along one side. Among the park's attributes are family picnic areas, group picnic facilities, a large playground with equipment for different ages, water- and sand-play areas, a vintage fire truck and airplane and volleyball courts. Oak Meadow Park is also home to the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad and the old-fashioned Bill Mason Carousel.

Pageant Grounds

Located behind the Los Gatos Civic Center, this area was home to annual town pageants between 1920 and 1950. Some of the grounds were restored in 1985, and the area is open to passive recreation use.

Town Plaza Park
Surrounded by S. Santa Cruz Avenue, W. Main Street and Montebello Way.
Limited on-street parking.

Once the site of a railroad station, the Town Plaza is now the venue for many community events, including a year-round farmers' market and the summertime Music in the Plaza concert series. It features a refreshing fountain, lots of lawn and shady trees, including the tall old cedar that becomes the town Christmas tree every December. A historic firebell from a bygone era is also found here.

Worcester Park
Worcester Loop.
Limited on-street parking.

Although less than half a mile from busy Los Gatos Boulevard, this 11.2-acre park is a generously sized dollop of pure country in the midst of downtown Los Gatos and an affluent neighborhood. There are no playgrounds or picnic tables here, but the lush natural vegetation and a half-mile self-guided nature trail offer a nice change of pace.

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