Individual Picnic Reservations

Individual picnic areas may be reserved at both Rinconada and Mitchell Parks. Reservations for individual sites may be made for weekends and holidays between May 1 and October 31. Tables may be used on a first come, first served basis on all other dates and no fees will be collected.

Procedures

Reservations are made at the Lucie Stern Community Center, by e-mailing the completed forms to csd@cityofpaloalto.org or by faxing the completed Individual Picnic Application and Park Rules Agreement to 650-321-5612. Up to two tables may be reserved by Palo Alto residents on the Monday through Wednesday from 8:30am to 5pm and Thursday from 8:30am to 12pm for the upcoming weekend of use.  Proof of residency is required (ie, driver's license, lease or utility bill).  Please call 650-463-4900 to verify space availability.  No reservation is needed for use of individual tables Monday through Friday. Non-residents may make reservations for up to two tables on the Wednesday from 8:30am to 5pm and Thursday from 8:30am to 12pm for the upcoming 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. A maximum of 10 people per table site is permitted; two tables maximum may be reserved.

Reservation Fees

Resident:  $11 per table, maximum of 2 tables (advanced reservations only)
Non-Resident:  $16 per table, maximum of 2 tables (advanced reservations only)

Portable barbeques, portable tables and inflatable jumpers are prohibited in any City of Palo Alto parks or Open Space preserves.

Fees are non-refundable and are due at the time of reservation. Individual site cancellations due to rain must be made the following business day before 12pm and money will be held on account for future picnic reservations.  By completing this application process, you are agreeing to abide by all park regulations. Forms are accessible below.

Group Area 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 Mitchell Park and Rinconada Park; only Palo Alto residents may make reservations in Foothills Park. For Rinconada and Mitchell Parks, group reservations may be made up to six months in advance and must be made by the Thursday, 12pm, 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.

Procedures

Residents may come into the Lucie Stern Community Center to make reservations, e-mail the completed forms to csd@cityofpaloalto.org or fax the completed Group Picnic Application and Park Rules Agreement to 650-321-5612. Proof of residency is required (i.e., driver's license, lease or utility bill). Representatives of Palo Alto companies making a reservation should pay with a company check or have verification of employment.

• Sequoia Area 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 barbeques and accommodates up to 100 people.
• Arbor Area at Mitchell Park has four barbeques and accommodates up to 40 people.
• Redwood Area at Mitchell Park has six barbeques and accommodates up to 70 people.
• East Meadow Area at Mitchell Park has five barbeques and accommodates up to 50 people.

Reservation Fees

Mitchell Park:
Pine Grove Area - $119
Redwood Group Area - $97
Arbor Group Area - $43
East Meadow Group Area - $65

Rinconada Park:
Sequoia Group Area - $54

Oak Grove picnic area at Foothills Park accommodates up to 150 people. This site can be reserved by Palo Alto residents in person at Foothills Park or by faxing an application to 650-917-9647. This site may also be reserved by Palo Alto residents by calling the Lucie Stern Community Center, or by faxing an application to 650-321-5612. Palo Alto residency rules apply. Download the Foothills Park Facility Use Application and Permit form for the application form, rental conditions and fee schedule.

If alcoholic beverages are to be consumed at a group site a $1,000,000 insurance certificate must be submitted to the Lucie Stern Community Center at least 72 business hours prior to the date of your picnic. Certificates may be purchased at the Lucie Stern Community Center or faxed to 650-321-5612. With insurance, only beer, wine or champagne may be consumed. Hard liquor is prohibited.

There will be a $15 processing fee charged for all cancelled group site reservations at Mitchell and Rinconada Parks. Cancellations must be made at least 5 business days prior to reservation date in order to receive a refund. Group site cancellations due to rain must be made the following business day before 12pm. Foothills Park's Oak Grove cancellations must be made in writing and received 2 weeks before 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 this application process, you are agreeing to abide by all park regulations.