Oak Newton Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Oak Newton Park is a 36-acre park located in the city of Menlo Park, California.


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Summary

The park features a variety of recreational activities and amenities that cater to all age groups. One of the main reasons to visit Oak Newton Park is to enjoy its vast open spaces and tranquil surroundings that provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The park has a playground, picnic areas, sports fields, and an extensive network of hiking trails that wind through the wooded areas. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park also has a dog park where visitors can take their four-legged friends for a run.

One of the most interesting features of Oak Newton Park is the historic plaque located in the park that commemorates the 1924 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials that were held in the park. The trials were the first to be held west of the Mississippi River.

The best time to visit Oak Newton Park is in the spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom, and the weather is mild. However, the park is open year-round, and each season brings its unique set of attractions and activities. Fall is another popular season to visit the park when the leaves change color, and the weather is comfortable for hiking.

In conclusion, Oak Newton Park is a beautiful and serene park that offers a wide range of recreational activities and amenities. It is an ideal destination for families, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. With its impressive history, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities, Oak Newton Park is a must-visit destination in California.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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