FunKidsActivities

Orchard Gardens Park

238 Garner Dr, Sunnyvale, CA 94089, USA

Overview

Category:Best Outdoor Playgrounds
Location:Sunnyvale, CA

Expert Summary

Detailed Insights

Orchard Gardens Park is a quiet, secluded neighborhood park best suited for those seeking a tranquil outdoor experience rather than a bustling activity hub. It offers a variety of recreational amenities like tennis courts, a tot playground, walking trails, and barbecue areas, making it ideal for peaceful family outings or local sports.

Key Highlights

  • Consistently described as a quiet, secluded neighborhood park.
  • Features two full tennis courts, ideal for weekend play.
  • Includes a dedicated 'tot playground' suitable for younger children.
  • Has a pleasant walking trail that connects to 7 Seas Park.
  • Offers secluded barbecue spots and picnic areas.
  • Swings are highlighted as being 'great' by a reviewer.
  • One review praised the cleanliness of the bathroom, despite others reporting them closed (inconsistent experience).

Standout Features

  • Two full tennis courts.
  • Dedicated 'tot playground' for very young children.
  • Secluded and quiet atmosphere for relaxation.
  • Designated barbecue areas for family gatherings.
  • Walking trail connecting to a larger park (7 Seas Park).
  • Outdoor fitness area for adult exercise.
  • Functional swings.

Perfect For

Toddlers (0-5 years): Perfect for, due to the dedicated 'tot playground' and quiet environment.
Elementary School (6-10 years): May find the 'small playground' and swings enjoyable, but the park lacks extensive features for this age group.
Pre-teens & Teens (11-16+ years): Good for playing tennis, utilizing the outdoor fitness area, or accompanying family for walks/BBQs. Not ideal for team sports like basketball due to missing nets.

Ideal For

Parents seeking a quiet, uncrowded playground for toddlers.
Tennis players looking for readily available courts.
Families desiring a secluded spot for a barbecue or picnic.
Individuals seeking a peaceful walk or outdoor fitness session.
Local residents looking for a convenient, low-key park experience.

💡Pro Tips from Reviews

  • If planning to play basketball, bring your own nets/hoops as they have been removed from the court.
  • Assume restrooms might be closed; plan accordingly or confirm recent status if possible.
  • Ideal for a quiet day at the park, not for high-energy, crowded activities.
  • Consider the potential presence of homeless individuals near the restrooms and barbecue areas.
  • Great for combining with a longer walk by utilizing the connecting trail to 7 Seas Park.
  • Excellent for a peaceful outdoor meal or barbecue due to its secluded nature.

Things to Consider

  • Restrooms are frequently reported as being closed for a while, though one review noted cleanliness (suggesting inconsistent availability or recent opening).
  • A previous playground was removed due to waterline issues and emergency access concerns.
  • Basketball court poles and nets have been removed, making it unsuitable for serious basketball play without personal equipment.
  • Some BBQ pots and benches have been removed, potentially reducing available seating/grilling.
  • Occasionally frequented by homeless individuals who set up camp near the restrooms and utilize some tables, which some visitors may find uncomfortable.

Price & Value

Free to access. Offers multiple recreational amenities (tennis, playground, BBQ areas, fitness area) at no cost, providing good value for a local, quiet park experience.

Accessibility & Special Needs

  • No specific accessibility accommodations mentioned in the reviews.

🍎Food & Drink Policy

  • Outside food is encouraged, with barbecue areas and picnic tables available for use.

🚗Parking Info

  • Mostly parallel parking available, likely street parking.

👥Crowd Levels

  • Consistently described as quiet, not many people, secluded, and less active than it used to be. Very low crowd levels.

🛡️Safety Features

  • No explicit safety features like staff supervision or gated entrances are mentioned. The occasional presence of homeless individuals near restrooms could be perceived as a safety concern by some parents.

When to Avoid

  • If you are looking for a lively, bustling park with many children.
  • If you require reliably open and accessible restrooms.
  • If you're seeking a full-function basketball court with nets.
  • If your children are older elementary or pre-teen and require more extensive playground structures.

Pricing/Package/Events

What People Say

What's Great

  • Spacious play areas (mentioned in 8 reviews)

Areas for Improvement

  • Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 6 reviews)

Recent Reviews

Brendan

Brendan

2 years ago

Decent secluded neighborhood park in Sunnyvale with tables and barbecue areas, a small playground, tennis courts, an outdoor fitness area, basketball court, and a field. There are larger and more lively areas in the area but this is a nice park if you’re looking for something quieter and local. This park can occasionally be frequented by homeless who set up camp near the restrooms. They’re generally nice but something to take note of since they take some of the tables near the restrooms. Come here if you’re looking for a small quiet day at a park or some outdoor activities.

Moby Dick

Moby Dick

11 months ago

Nice little grassy park with trail to walk along grassy area connecting with 7 seas park. There's a tot playground and used to be another playground but apparently they had to take it down due to a water line beneath the ground and concerns about access in case of emergency. There's also a nice basketball court that's still there but it's a shame they took down the poles and nets so no more basketball is played here. Restrooms have been closed for a while.

Fro Ditty

Fro Ditty

3 years ago

So many memories at this park. I wonder if the recreation center is being utilized for the kids after school program and weekend activities. It does not look as active as it used to be but it is a nice park. They removed at least 2 houses from the street to add onto it. Exercise stations have been added and a few BBQ pots have been removed along with the benches.

Marley Bishop

Marley Bishop

a year ago

It's a small park but not many people seem to come here, and it's a really nice walk for a little outing. There is also a spot to barbecue and I think that would actually be really nice with how secluded it is. Also the swings are great.

Trong Luong

Trong Luong

5 years ago

We come here to play tennis in the weekend. Pretty quite park with 2 full tennis courts, a basketball court, and nice picnic area. Parking is mostly parallel parking. Big bonus point for the cleanliness of the bathroom

Contact Information

238 Garner Dr, Sunnyvale, CA 94089, USA

View on Google Maps

Opening Hours

Monday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Quick Stats

Overall Rating
4.4
Total Reviews127
Recent Reviews5