Cornelis Bol Park: A Barron Park Gem

Discover a serene retreat in Palo Alto's Barron Park, home to the famous 'Shrek' donkey, lush meadows, and a vibrant community spirit, offering a unique blend of nature and local charm.

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Cornelis Bol Park

Cornelis Bol Park, nestled in Palo Alto's Barron Park neighborhood, offers a tranquil escape with its sprawling green spaces, vibrant native plant garden, and towering trees. This 13.8-acre park features a playground, walking trails, and the unique attraction of the Barron Park donkeys, including Perry, who famously modeled for the character Donkey in the movie "Shrek." Visitors can enjoy picnics, leisurely strolls, and the park's inviting community atmosphere. With its blend of natural beauty and local charm, Cornelis Bol Park provides a serene retreat for families and individuals alike, making it a must-visit destination in the heart of Silicon Valley. The park also hosts community events, fostering a strong sense of belonging among residents and visitors.

A brief summary to Cornelis Bol Park

3590 Laguna Ave, Palo Alto, Barron Park, California, 94306, US
+1650-329-2100

Monday 8 am-8 pm
Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
Thursday 8 am-8 pm
Friday 8 am-8 pm
Saturday 8 am-8 pm
Sunday 8 am-8 pm

Local tips

Visit on a Sunday morning to see the donkeys, Perry, Buddy and April, during their weekly walk in the park.
Explore the Native Plant Garden at the corner of Matadero and Laguna to discover California's diverse flora.
Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the open grassy areas.
Take a stroll or bike ride along the paved trails that run alongside Matadero Creek.
Check the Barron Park Association's website for upcoming community events and festivals held in the park.

Getting There

Walking

From the intersection of El Camino Real and Laguna Avenue, head west on Laguna Avenue for approximately 0.3 miles. Cornelis Bol Park will be on your left. The walk is mostly flat and straightforward, passing through a residential area. This is a simple and direct way to reach the park from a major thoroughfare.
Public Transport

From the Palo Alto Caltrain Station, walk east on University Avenue for about 0.6 miles until you reach El Camino Real. Turn left and walk for about 0.3 miles to the intersection with Laguna Avenue. Turn right onto Laguna Avenue, and after a short walk of about 0.3 miles, you will arrive at Cornelis Bol Park. A single ride on Caltrain costs $3.75+ depending on the distance.
Taxi/Ride-Share

From downtown Palo Alto, a taxi or ride-share to Cornelis Bol Park will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around $10-$15 for the ride. Direct your driver to 3590 Laguna Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306.
Driving

From Highway 101, take the Oregon Expressway exit and head west. Turn left onto El Camino Real, then right onto Matadero Avenue. Turn left onto Laguna Avenue. The park will be on your right. Parking is free but limited to street parking on Laguna Avenue. Be mindful of residential parking restrictions. Parking is free.

Discover more about Cornelis Bol Park

Cornelis Bol Park, a 13.8-acre haven in the Barron Park neighborhood of Palo Alto, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and a touch of Hollywood fame. Named after Cornelis Bol, a Stanford physicist and inventor who purchased the land in the 1930s, the park has evolved from a donkey pasture into a beloved local landmark. Bol, a Dutch immigrant, bought the land during the Great Depression. He and his wife, Josina, welcomed neighborhood children to play with the donkeys and other farm animals. Bol, who invented the high-intensity mercury vapor lamp, also operated the Barron Park Water Company for 11 years. After his death in 1965, his heirs sold a portion of the property to the city at half the market value, ensuring its preservation as a park. Cornelis Bol Park officially opened in April 1974, becoming a focal point for the Barron Park community. The park's landscape is characterized by a long, narrow meadow bordered by Matadero Creek on one side and a paved path on the other. Redwood and oak trees provide ample shade, creating a serene environment for visitors. At the corner of Matadero and Laguna, a Native Plant Garden showcases California's flora, maintained by local volunteers. The upper meadow remains undeveloped, preserving its natural state as per the wishes of the neighborhood. One of the park's most distinctive features is the Barron Park donkey pasture, home to Perry, Buddy, and April. These donkeys have been a part of the community since 1934, when the Bol family first owned the land. Perry, the oldest donkey, gained international recognition as the model for Donkey in the 2001 film "Shrek." Film buffs and animal lovers alike enjoy visiting the pasture and greeting these local celebrities. The donkeys even have their own mailbox where children can send them letters. Cornelis Bol Park offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. A playground provides entertainment for children, while the open grassy areas are perfect for picnics, games, and relaxation. The paved walking and biking trails are popular with cyclists and pedestrians, offering a scenic route through the park and along Matadero Creek. The park's design promotes accessibility, making it easy for everyone to explore its beauty. The park also hosts several community events throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of belonging among residents. These events include an annual fair with food, games, and activities, as well as occasional movie nights and festivals. The Barron Park Association plays an active role in organizing these events, ensuring that the park remains a vibrant hub for the community. While the park itself does not have restrooms, there are picnic tables, drinking fountains, and bicycle trails for visitors to enjoy. Street parking is available on Laguna Avenue, though it can be limited during peak hours. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, providing ample opportunity to experience its tranquil ambiance at any time of day. Cornelis Bol Park is more than just a park; it's a living testament to the history and spirit of Barron Park. From its humble beginnings as a donkey pasture to its current status as a beloved community gathering place, the park embodies the values of community, nature, and a touch of whimsy. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor from afar, Cornelis Bol Park offers a unique and memorable experience that captures the essence of Palo Alto. The park's native plant garden is a testament to the community's commitment to preserving California's natural heritage. Maintained by local volunteers, the garden showcases a variety of native plants, providing habitat for local wildlife and educating visitors about the importance of biodiversity. The garden is particularly active with insects in the spring, attracting nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. The park's connection to the movie "Shrek" adds a touch of Hollywood glamour to its already unique appeal. Perry, the donkey who modeled for the character Donkey, has become a local celebrity, drawing visitors from far and wide who want to catch a glimpse of the famous equine. The park even features bouncy donkey seats in the sandbox, a playful nod to its connection to the DreamWorks film. Cornelis Bol Park is a place where history, nature, and community come together to create a truly special experience. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat, a fun-filled family outing, or a glimpse of Hollywood fame, this Barron Park gem has something to offer everyone. Its unique blend of attractions and its strong sense of community make it a must-visit destination in Palo Alto.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

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Pink Bridge

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Frenchman's Tower

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Pedro de Lemos House

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Palo Alto Historical Association

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Lou Henry Hoover House

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MacFarland House

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Adobe Creek

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Escondido Turnaround

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Chabad Palo Alto

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Keddem Congregation

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Norris House

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Stone River by Andy Goldsworthy

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Unmissable attractions to see

Tech Pride Silicon Valley Tours

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Grave of Shirley Temple

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Esther Clark Park

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Jerry Bowden Park

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Hanna House

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Mitchell Park

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Magical Bridge Playground

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Hoover Tower

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Stanford Clock Tower

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Klein Park

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Main Quad

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Memorial Church

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Stanford University

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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

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Trader Joe's

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Charleston Shopping Center

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San Antonio Center

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Kohl's

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Hudson Grace

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Essential bars & hidden hideouts

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O'Malley's Sports Pub

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Scotty's Bar & Grill

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The Rose & Crown

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MacArthur Park Restaurant and Bar

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The Wine Room

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SliderBar Restaurant

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Vino Locale

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The Emerald Hour

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover Cornelis Bol Park with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Cornelis Bol Park: A Barron Park Gem

A brief summary to Cornelis Bol Park

Local tips

Getting There

Walking

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of Cornelis Bol Park

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Cornelis Bol Park

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Map

Pink Bridge

Site of Shockley Semiconductor

Frenchman's Tower

Pedro de Lemos House

Palo Alto Historical Association

Lou Henry Hoover House

MacFarland House

Adobe Creek

Escondido Turnaround

Chabad Palo Alto

Auguste Rodin - The Burghers of Calais

Keddem Congregation

Norris House

Stone River by Andy Goldsworthy

Unmissable attractions to see

Tech Pride Silicon Valley Tours

Grave of Shirley Temple

Esther Clark Park

Jerry Bowden Park

Hanna House

Mitchell Park

Magical Bridge Playground

Hoover Tower

Stanford Clock Tower

Klein Park

Main Quad

Memorial Church

Stanford University

Henry W. Seale Park

Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden

Essential places to dine

INDO Restaurant & Lounge

The Sea by Alexander's Steakhouse

Dinah's Poolside Restaurant

La Bodeguita del Medio

Kali Greek Kitchen

Terún

Caffe Riace

La Boheme

Zareen's Palo Alto

SUN of WOLF

Italico Ristorante Pizzeria

Anatolian Kitchen

Cafe Pro Bono

Protégé

Naschmarkt - Palo Alto

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Leaf & Petal

The Village at San Antonio Center

Trader Joe's

Charleston Shopping Center

San Antonio Center

Kohl's

Kodesh Judaica and Gifts

Hudson Grace

Diptyque Town and Country

Town & Country Village

EVEREVE

Ruti | Palo Alto

B K Collections

Total Wine & More

Rengstorff Center

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Moods. Wine Bar

Chili's Grill & Bar