Individual Picnic Areas
Individual picnic areas may be reserved at both Rinconada and Mitchell Parks. Up to two (2) tables may be reserved by Palo Alto residents on Monday through Thursday of the weekend of use. Individual site reservations are not taken for Monday through Friday use and fees are not collected for these days. Non-residents may make reservations on the Wednesday of the weekend of use if tables are available. Tables that are not reserved in advance may be claimed on a first-come, first-served basis, at no cost. Alcohol is NOT permitted at individual sites.
For more information, call the Lucie Stern Center at 650-463-4900.
Park Maps
Reservation Fees
- Resident: $10.00 per table; max of 2 tables (Advanced Reservation)
- Non-Resident: $15.00 per table; max of 2 tables (Advanced Reservation)
Procedures
Reservations for individual sites may be made for weekends and holidays between May 1 and October 30. Tables may be used on a first come, first served basis on all other dates and no fees will be collected.
Residents may apply for reservations Monday through Wednesday from 8:30am to 5pm and Thursday 8am to 3pm at the Lucie Stern Community Center or by faxing the completed Individual Picnic Application and Park Rules Agreement to 650-321-5612. Proof of residency is required. Please call 650-463-4900 to verify space availability. Non-residents may make reservations on Wednesdays between 8:30am and 5pm. A maximum of 10 people per table site is permitted. Up to two (2) tables may be reserved.
Portable barbeque equipment, portable tables and inflatable jumpers are not allowed in any park.
Fees are non-refundable and are due at the time of reservation. By completing the application process, you are agreeing to abide by all park regulations for use of the picnic areas. Forms are accessible below.
Group Picnic Reservations
Group picnic areas are available at Rinconada Park, Mitchell Park, and Foothills Park. Reservations may be made by Palo Alto residents and companies only. For Rinconada and Mitchell Parks, group reservations may be made up to six months in advance, and must be made by the Thursday, 3pm, of the weekend of use. If group areas are to be used during a weekday, reservations may be made as late as 24 hours in advance.
For picnic reservation information:
Mitchell and Rinconada Parks 650-463-4900
Sequoia Site at Rinconada Park accommodates up to 50 people. This area has five picnic tables and five barbeques.
Pine Grove Area at Mitchell Park has ten barbeque pits and accommodates up to 100 people.
Arbor Area at Mitchell Park has four barbeque pits and accommodates up to 40 people.
Redwood Area at Mitchell Park has six barbeque pits and accommodates up to 70 people.
East Meadow Area at Mitchell Park has five barbeque pits and accommodates up to 50 people.
Mitchell and Rinconada Reservation Fees:
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Mitchell Park:
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Rinconada Park:
Oak Grove area at Foothills Park accommodates up to 150 people. This site is reserved in person through the Lucie Stern Community Center or by fax to 650-321-5612. To reserve this site by phone, please call 650-463-4900.
Procedures:
If alcoholic beverages are to be consumed at a group site, a $1,000,000 insurance certificate must be submitted to the Park Reservation office at least 72 business hours prior to the date of your picnic. Certificates may be purchased at the Park reservation office, or faxed to 650-321-5612. With insurance, only beer or wine may be consumed. Hard liquor is not allowed.
Residents may make tentative group reservations for Mitchell and Rinconada Parks by calling 650-463-4900 Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5pm. Application and payment must be made within 5 business days of a phone reservation. Residents may come into the Lucie Stern Community Center to make reservations or fax the completed Group Picnic Application and Park Rules Agreement to 650-321-5612. Proof of Palo Alto residency will be required. Representatives of Palo Alto companies making a reservation should pay with a company check or have verification of employment.
There will be a $10 processing fee charged for all cancelled reservations at Mitchell and Rinconada Parks. Cancellations/refunds must be made at least 5 business days prior to reservation date in order to receive a refund. Foothill Park, Oak Grove cancellation must be made in writing and received 2 weeks prior to the event. A cancellation fee (1/3 of total charges) is non-refundable unless the CIty cancels the permit, wherein a full refund will be made. No refund is given if cancellation is less than two weeks.
By completing the application process, you are agreeing to abide by all park regulations for use of the picnic areas.
Download Individual or Group Picnic Applications:
