Sunnyvale has more than 476 acres of parks, open space and landscaping maintained by the city for residents and the business community. The Sunnyvale Park system was designed so that every neighborhood would be within walking distance of a park. Many of Sunnyvale's neighborhood parks have a theme. Sunnyvale's Parks range from small "mini or pocket" Parks to Baylands Park which is 177 acres.

The San Francisco Bay Trail

The San Francisco Bay Trail runs through the South Bay. The best access to the Bay Trail in Sunnyvale is the trail head located near the Water Pollution Control Plant off Borregas Avenue and Caribbean Drive.  This trail head has bathrooms, 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 to see the historic Alviso Marina. Here is a map of the Bay Trail with the Moffett Connector. New Bay Trail Map.
 

Parks

Baylands Park

Baylands Park has more than 70 acres of developed parkland offering active recreation, walking and running pathways and picnic areas for families and large groups. Baylands Park preserves the natural environment with native grasses and open meadows, and 105 acres of seasonal wetlands that provides habitat for plants and wildlife. You can see beautiful vistas of the surrounding hills from the park.

Baylands Park has several playgrounds and play structures for toddlers and small children. You will need to reserve a spot for a picnic. Please see the rules at the city website.

Braly Park

The 5.6 acre Braly Park is located off Daffodil Court. The park has a Japanese theme and is a lovely place for family gatherings or outdoor recreation. Braly Park has a children’s play area, horseshoe pits, shuffle board, sand volleyball court, water play area with timer and lighted tennis courts. In the school next door there are basketball courts and a field that can be reserved.

Columbia Park

Columbia Park is on Morse Avenue. This large 15-acre park is a great place for large gatherings, outdoor recreation and swimming. Columbia Park has  a swimming pool, children’s play area, lighted tennis courts, shuffle board, volleyball court (No Poles Provided), and a par course. For basketball courts and a multiuse field you can go to the school next to the park.

DeAnza Park

DeAnza Park is on Lime Drive and is one of the older parks in Sunnyvale. This mid-sized park features an Aztec theme and has many spaces for picnics and recreation. DeAnza Park has a children’s play area, horseshoe pits, and skating rink. For basketball courts and a multiuse field you can go to the school next to the park.

Fair Oaks Park

Fair Oaks Park is located at Fair Oaks Avenue at Maude Avenue. The Park is 15.2 acres and is built with an old English theme. Many attractions are in the park including the Sunnyvale Skate Park. Fair Oaks Park has basketball courts, a children’s play area, horseshoe pits, a field, sand volleyball court, and a timed water play area.

Fairwood Park

Fairwood Park is on Sandia Avenue. This mini park is a cozy park ideal for children. Fairwood Park has a children’s play area and volleyball court, par course and radio-controlled car track. To play basketball, horseshoe, tennis and use the field go to the school next door.

Heritage Park

The Heritage Park is home to Sunnyvale's Heritage Museum. Vintage harvest equipment and a detailed history of the fruit industry that dominated the Valley are the highlights here. Heritage Park has a charming courtyard and building that can be reserved for hosting a variety of activities or events. For more information, please visit the site.

Lakewood Park

Lakewood Park is on Lakechime Drive. With 11 acres of recreational space the park has an outer space theme and is ideal for walking and bicycling. Lakewood Park has basketball courts, bike path, children’s play area, handball court, horseshoe pits, field, skating rink, swimming pool, tennis courts, and water play area.

Las Palmas Park 

Las Palmas Park is on Russet Drive and a popular local recreational spot. This tree-lined 24.3 acre, Polynesian-themed park is a ideal for a party or gathering. Elegant palm trees surround a picturesque pond. Las Palmas Park has the following areas, children’s play area, tennis courts, field, and water play area (there is a $60 fee for two hours of play). The dog park is a perfect place to run your pet and have it socialize with other dogs.

Murphy Park

This unique, well-shaded 5.83 acre park features several picnic areas for small gatherings and is also a historical point of interest. Murphy Park has the following features: horseshoe pits, lawn bowling green, restrooms, stamp Mill, play area for toddlers, and an outdoor stage.

Orchard Gardens Park

Orchard Gardens Park opened in 1955 on Garner Drive. This two acre park is a great location for large gatherings and outdoor recreation. Orchard Gardens Park has tennis courts.

Ortega Park

This diverse, Victorian-themed 18 acre park is a perfect spot for hosting a reunion in the gazebo or enjoying outdoor recreation. Ortega Park has the following features: basketball courts, children’s play area, cricket pitch, horseshoe pits, a reservable multiuse field, restrooms, shuffleboard, tennis courts, and a gazebo you can reserve for an event.

Plaza del Sol

Plaza del Sol is a 1.6 acre urban open space located in Sunnyvale's downtown area. It’s a great place to go for a break and excellent spot to enjoy a picnic., Plaza del Sol provides open space near the bustling Murphy Street and Caltrain Station.

Ponderosa Park

Ponderosa Park is a charming, 9 acre park has many unique areas for play and recreation. You can host a barbecue for up to 65 people at one of the three picnic sites. Ponderosa Park has a Western theme and has the following features: basketball courts, children’s play area, horseshoe pits, multiuse field, restrooms, sand volleyball court, and tennis courts.

Raynor Park

Raynor Park is located on Quail Avenue. The theme here is all about dinosaurs. You can host a barbecue for up to 60 people at one of the picnic sites. Raynor Park has the following features: children’s play area, horseshoe pits, reservable multiuse field, restrooms and skating rink.

Serra Park

The main attraction is a brook that runs through this 11.5 acre. The Mark Twain era-theme is quaint Western. The  park has four picnic sites for hosting gatherings from 20 to 90 people. Serra Park has the following features: children’s play area, lighted tennis courts, restrooms, skating rink and a timed water play area. The school next door has basketball courts, and a reservable multiuse field.

The Serra boat playground is scheduled to be completed by the end of August 2012. Please check the park site to see the latest update on the project.

Washington Park

Washington Park is one of Sunnyvale's most popular parks. This well-shaded, 12 acre park is ideal for children and you can reserve a picnic site for up to 80 people. Some of Washington Parks features include, basketball courts, children’s play area, horseshoe pits, reservable multiuse field, restrooms, swimming pool and tennis courts.