Jay P.

Small park I used to bring my kid to early morning before Japanese school. It's right next to the parking lot and next to an elementary school so a lot of traffic around school time. It's well maintained and very clean, we've seen the maintenance crew cleaning and raking the sands constantly. Mitchell Park received national and international acclaim when it opened in 1957. Designed by Robert Royston, it was a new kind of park, with a variety of recreational activities geared to people of all ages. It's the simple thing the kids seems to enjoy the most. Near the elephant statue there are "gopher holes" that your kids can crawl through and stick their head out. I wish I was small enough to fit because it looks fun. There are two play areas for younger kids and older kids. They are better designed than other playgrounds and much more "playable" than just going up and using the slides.

Mark M.

What an amazing community center , the janitorial staff for the city of Palo Alto I have known for 30 years. Only down side is parking. They have a library, cafe, and meeting rooms. Great place to go to the park. Kids love the playgrounds and on the weekends the BBQ's are open and so many people enjoy the peaceful place where families can get together, a dog run for fun and so much to do. The Chili cook off is here each year no matter what day 4th of July falls on. What a happening place. Right between Charleston and E meadow on Middlefield road. You know you are close when you see the Palo Alto little league baseball field. Great place for the whole family , right down the street from Piazzas market. Clean bathrooms, this place is a gem for parties or family outings!!!

Hen A.

mitchell park located along middlefield in palo alto is quite massive...centrally located between elementary schools, churches, library and more...crowded on weekends and during peak hours...parking can be tough...baseball diamond, tennis court, endless grass and field, standard playground and the popular magical bridge playground...need to view a map of the park to find what is located where...tennis courts and magical bridge playground appear to be the most popular attraction at this park...crowded!

Lizelle P.

I was in Palo Alto visiting friends in this area and happened on this park. What a great find! My toddler spent 2 hours in the play area and had a whale of a time. There was also a fun water play area but we were unfortunately not equipped with bathers.

Kristie C.

For the dog park, this is way bigger than Hoover Park! It's in the back near the tennis courts. Half grass, half dirt. Lots of benches, shaded and sunny areas. Big and small dogs both in one place, but dogs there were friendly and owners were attentive. Would definitely come back!

Vic C.

(This review is mainly for the dog park) I came here because I read a few reviews on yelp about how there is a dog park here, so I headed here with my husband and 2 of my dogs. The dog park is towards the back of the park, on the left hand side (if your back is towards the parking lot). It is quite a walk to the dog park though, from the parking lot. Anyways, I was a bit disappointed with the dog park here, even though it is one of the larger dog parks here in Palo Alto. The dog park is just one large section where both big dogs and small dogs are all in the same area. I honestly prefer a dog park that separates the big dogs from the small dogs because sometimes smaller dogs just do not get along as well with big dogs and vice versa. So with that, I was a little disappointed and just thought this dog park was just average (3 stars for that). It is nice that there are some dog bags and also one of those pooper scoopers that you can use in case your 4 legged friend(s) need to go. It is all dirt in the dog park and parts of it is shady, but most of it is sunny. By the way, the park itself is really beautiful and have plenty of grass and area for kids to come and play (1 star for that). Also really nice that there are some light walking trails around here. I also liked that the restrooms have toilet paper, soap and paper towels, which is a very nice touch. Parking was easy for us when we pulled up into the park. Overall, a pretty nice park, but wished the dog park was just a bit nicer and separated with a big dog side and and a small dog side.

Bailey R.

I mean, what can I say? This park has literally everything you'll need. It's HUGE with 4 completely spread out and unique play structures. Of course the Magical Bridge park is the highlight for kids, but there's also a splash pad area on the other side of the parks. Lots of fields, bathroom areas, picnic benches, a little stage area where bands often play, and a fairly big dog park! There's always fun going on here, whether it's trapeze practice, video game-themed role playing, you name it! We love going here. There's also tennis courts and a community center/cafe/library!

Ming C.

So came here because Magical Bridge is located here. The park is shared with the library and a couple other small shops. They have a good size parking lot but not enough for weekend traffic with the addition of the tennis court, field, and dog park. The dog park is used heavily but local dog companies. Really heavily, seen one guy with over a dozen dogs alone. And the handicap ramp is right next to a spot speficially for vans.

Sean C.

Doesn't it make sense that Mitchell Park is a superior playground considering it's located in the rich and affluent suburb of Palo Alto? When a community has this much floating money elevating it, of course, it's gonna be better -- more advanced, more outfitted with post-modern gizmos -- than an average city's park. I never grew up in an area with a Neverland-like facility like this one, with its Lewis Carroll-like treehouse, super slides, roller belts, tip-toe musical harp, super spinners, merry-go-rounds out of a French vanguard movie, and other whimsical apparatuses. Because I didn't have anything like this, it doesn't mean I don't want my children having this kind of facility. Parents bring their young supermen and wonder women in training offspring to this park. The kind of kids you see here are the kind that sing along while they skip around jaunitly from one activity to the next. You don't see dopes hanging around; well, of course, there are no dopes here because all the kids are having too much adventurous fun (nobody stoops nor frowns), and besides, this is a city of supremely and naturally well brought up children. The city's people, as well as its aura, shines on you. #goodtimes

Jennifer L.

This 21.4-acre district park offers a lot for people who want to have a picnic or spend the day doing something outdoors. I've been here a few times and still have only seen small portions of this well-loved, huge park. Features include: * several play structures and swings * great lawn * above ground "gopher holes" play area * water feature where kids can run around and get soaked * children's play areas * miniature freeway system in the tiny tot area * quarter-mile jogging/walking path * picnic areas with barbecues * benches * seven lighted tennis courts * two paddle tennis courts * four handball courts * horseshoe pits * multipurpose bowl * athletic fields * public art (Arch Cradle, Push, After the Fire) * fenced dog run * restrooms * parking lot Our dog is on high alert and wants to chase squirrels here. Squirrels are everywhere. The weather today, October 29, was warm enough for kids to run around and get drenched in the water feature - amazing. Bring swim suits and towels if you have little ones who might want to get wet.

Geoff D.

What's not to like about a 21 acre park right here in the middle of Palo Alto? Pearce Mitchell Park is suburban park heaven with its ball fields, tennis courts, several climbing structures, shaded picnic tables, old growth trees, water feature and many acres of well-heeled green grass. It's all extremely well maintained and makes a terrific destination for kids of all ages. As a result, it's pretty active with everyone from toddlers to adult soccer leagues to the older gentlemen playing chess... but the sheer size means that I have never seen it too crowded.