The Neighborhood Parks and Open Space Management Program maintains over 476 acres of Parks, open space and boulevard landscaping to keep them hazard-free, usable and attractive for residents and the business community. The Sunnyvale Park system was designed with the goal that every neighborhood would be within walking distance of a park. Many of Sunnyvale's Neighborhood Parks have a theme which makes each Park unique. Sunnyvale's Parks range from small "mini" or "pocket" parks to Baylands Park which is 177 acres. We hope that you visit and enjoy all of Sunnyvale's Parks!

Articles on this page

Orchard Gardens Park Expansion
Water Conservation
Community Center Pond Draining
Seven Seas Park
San Francisco Bay Trail
Be a Parks Volunteer
Map of Sunnyvale Parks

Orchard Gardens Park Expansion Project Update

The Orchard Gardens Park Expansion project is now complete. Orchard Gardens Park located on Garner Drive along the John W. Christian Greenbelt in north Sunnyvale, received many site improvements during the eight-month long project. The park improvements feature a fitness area, picnic and bench seating, upgraded lighting and a visually appealing landscape design. Other site upgrades include on-site parking, cobblestone walkways, an artificial turf area and the creation of a new western gateway for John W. Christian Greenbelt path along with interpretative signage.

Water Conservation

In June, 2014 the City Council declared a drought emergency and called on all Sunnyvale residents, businesses and water users to reduce water use by 15% which was later raised to 30% in December. The Parks Division of the Department of Public Works, which includes parks, landscape medians, school open space and two golf courses, is the largest consumer of water in the City and it has achieved a 27% overall reduction in the use of water from July 2014 through May 2015 when compared to previous year’s use levels during the same time period.

As part of the ongoing efforts, Parks has reduced irrigating many areas of turf and eliminated swaths of turf that were non-essential or solely ornamental. The Santa Clara County Water District has donated signs to educate residents that these new “brown” areas are intentional and part of the City’s goals to reduce water consumption. These efforts will continue, as Parks continuously looks for more conservation methods. 

Please help us by reporting any water leaks or related problems by calling (408) 730-7506 or by email at Parks. Report leaks or broken irrigation after regular work hours to the Department of Public Safety at (408) 730-7180. Note that although irrigation is done at night, it is occasionally done during the day while troubleshooting and repairing problems with the irrigation system.

Community Center Pond Draining Update

The planned draining and cleaning of the Community Center Pond has been temporarily delayed. Parks staff, in conjunction with the Environmental Services Department, had planned on draining the 2 ½ acre ornamental pond at the Community Center this fall. However, due to a combination of wildlife needs and complex technical concerns due to the nature of the project, the project will be delayed until later this fall. Parks along with ESD, will continue to work through the draining process to ensure the work is completed in the most efficient way.

The pond will remain empty until the drought is over and water restrictions are lifted. The City will continue to operate children’s water play areas at Sunnyvale parks until the end of October. We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding. While no one likes to see the pond drained, it is a highly visible reminder of the seriousness of the drought and the importance of community-wide actions to conserve water.

Seven Seas Park 

Sunnyvale's newest park, Seven Seas Park is located at 1010 Morse Ave. Park features include a fenced dog park, two playgrounds, 1/2 basketball court, tennis court, spray pool, a multi-use field, picnic tables, two barbecues and restrooms.

The picnic sites are all non-reservable and available on a first come, first serve basis. The park was designed as a neighborhood park according to council approved design guidelines and is intended to primarily serve the local community that is within walking or bicycle distance of the park. Limited parking is available in front of the park on Morse Ave.

San Francisco Bay Trail

 
The San Francisco Bay Trail has been connected throughout the South Bay! Thanks to the efforts of many agencies and individuals the "Moffett Connector" was opened in September 2010. The best access to the Bay Trail in Sunnyvale is the trailhead located near the Water Pollution Control Plant off Borregas Avenue and Caribbean Drive. This trail head has portable restrooms, a water fountain, and plenty of free parking. You can take the Bay Trail to the north and see unparalleled vistas of the Dumbarton and San Mateo Bridges or to the south and the historic Alviso Marina. Here is a map of the Bay Trail with the Moffett Connector -- New Bay Trail Map.

Be a Parks Volunteer!

Sunnyvale encourages either individuals or groups of any size to volunteer for an on-going project or a one-time event. Groups can contact the Parks Division at (408) 730-7506. Individuals can contact Volunteer Services (408) 730-7533 or register at Featured Volunteer Opportunities.

 Map of Sunnyvale Parks

View Sunnyvale Parks in a larger map