There is a little hidden gem of a park located down (and I mean downhill) a short access road at 400 University Avenue, just south of Foothill Expressway, called Shoup Park. Look for the small sign on the west side of University Avenue about one block south of Main/Burke street.
Its just 3.7 acres but offers enjoyment for the entire family. The old cement mound (main play area), with its tunnels, was replaced a few years back with a larger toddler play area with sand, play structure, rocking animals and small swings. There is an additional playground designed for older children that has a larger play structure and bigger swings (recommended for ages 5-12).
The central grass field is perfect for frisbee and/or soccer and the large oak trees provide plenty of shade. Adobe Creek runs through the west side of the park and makes a great day of collecting rocks, hunting for tad poles (when there is water), or playing hide and seek (when it is dry).
On the northwest side of the park is the Veteran’s Memorial Cradle of Liberty by R.J. Truman.
Shoup Park also has the Garden House that is the home of the Underground (a drop-in center for teens) and the Patriot Corner Picnic area that can be reserved for larger outdoor functions.
Shoup Park plays host many outdoor functions and concerts. If you are lucky, you might be able to hear the Ye Olde Towne Band playing in concert.
Even though Shoup Park is only a few blocks from downtown, it seems as if you are miles away. By the way, the name Shoup is prononced “Shauwp” Park. Get there and enjoy the day!
9 responses so far ↓
1 Courtney O. // Feb 8, 2010 at 9:52 pm
Greetings,
When was the Shoup Park first founded?
Most sincerely,
Courtney O.
2 Dave Blockhus, Los Altos CA Real Estate Specialist, Coldwell Banker // Feb 9, 2010 at 12:34 am
Courtney,
According to the Los Altos History Museum, Shoup Park was the first park in the city of Los Altos. It was dedicated June 18th 1955. The land for the park was provided by the Los Altos Land Company at the direction of Paul Shoup.
3 Courtney O. // Feb 18, 2010 at 9:41 pm
Greetings again,
What can you do in the teen center?
Warmest wishes,
Courtney O.
4 Dave Blockhus, Los Altos CA Real Estate Specialist, Coldwell Banker // Feb 19, 2010 at 10:34 am
Courtney,
The following information about the tean center was taken from the Los Altos Recreation Department website:
The Underground, Drop-In Teen Center at Shoup Park:
School Year, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 3 to 6 pm – starting December 2nd
Open to all 7th to 12th graders with video games, half court basketball, lounge area, ping pong, air hockey and more! Great safe, supervised placed for teens in Los Altos. No Registration is needed but participants are asked to sign in and leave an emergency contact phone number while there.
5 michelle // Feb 22, 2010 at 7:23 pm
Why is this park exciting to you
6 Carrie Wendelken // Feb 22, 2010 at 7:46 pm
about how long has shoup park been here?
say years?
Do u think it is used for honoring the statue, Veteran’s Memorial Cradle of Liberty or for kids to explore nature and have fun?
Is there a historical background to it?
or story?
important history to it?
refering to the question above…
y is it important?
Thank u so so so so much
Friendly Regards,
Carrie W.
7 Dave Blockhus, Los Altos CA Real Estate Specialist, Coldwell Banker // Feb 24, 2010 at 12:00 pm
Michelle,
I wouldn’t call the park exciting. There are no thrill rides. However, it is a great and safe place to take kids to play. It is a great place to enjoy a peaceful lunch break surrounded by large trees.
It also brings back childhood memories like playing tag in the cement tunnels, water balloon fights by the creek and seeing how high you could jump off the swings.
I guess I like it for what it meant to me as a kid growing up in Los Altos (memories) and the continual enjoyment I get from it today.
8 Jacob Bider // Mar 10, 2010 at 10:51 am
Can you give me some history background on Shoop Park
9 Measure A Campaign is Set to Kick Off Tomorrow at The Garden House in Shoup Park // Apr 7, 2010 at 4:39 pm
[...] For those interested in further information about Shoup Park, Click on the following link for a post I did on the park. http://siliconvalleyrealestateinfo.com/shoup-park-often-mis-pronounced-always-fun.html [...]
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