2701 El Camino Real - All Ages (dog) Parklet - [California/Sheridan Avenue area] 2004

All ages are welcome here - humans and canines. Ivy Park Living welcomes dogs and their humans to enjoy themselves together at this pet-friendly oasis, located three blocks south of California Avenue on Sheridan Avenue.

Ivy Park Living is a senior assisted living and memory care community located at the western end of Sheridan Avenue and El Camino Real that is home to not one - but two - POPOS in Palo Alto.

I am trying out “All Ages Parklet” as a name for this POPOS. It took me a long time to even figure out which part of the Ivy Park parcel were the two designated POPOS. The City maps were no help either.

Once I met Stephanie Brice, the Executive Director, of Ivy Park Living, I figured it out. One of the two POPOS part of this project, is the space behind the first, low fence, to the left of the building as you face the main entrance on Sheridan (even though the addres is 2701 El Camino Real). We need signs, don’t you think??

HOURS: It appears to be 24/7 but remember, seniors live there and it’s a residential neighborhood so be a good neighbor.

WHAT’S THERE: There is a rectangular area of green grass (a real lawn!) According to Stephanie, it was intended to be a dog park for a dense neighborhood. It’s got the makings of a nice dog park, but still needs a few upgrades, including fully secure fences, a bench or two for the humans to sit and perhaps a dog refuse bag dispenser and water fountain for dogs and humans - or maybe just a bowl.

Behind this POPOS is a higher gate where the residents can enjoy the tranquil outdoor setting. (Locked - “remember, memory care…) And in front of this area is Evacuation Assembly Point B with some large decorative pots and more lawn.

WHAT’S AROUND: This part of Sheridan is a residential neighborhood with mostly apartments. It’s a walkable part of town with California Avenue just three blocks away with all its cafes and businesses and the Sunday Farmers Market 9 am - 1:00 pm). The new Public Safety Building is also close by.

WHAT YOU CAN DO THERE: In addition to letting your dog have an off leash romp, you can enjoy this parklet sans canine too. As with all the POPOS, you can bring your own blanket or chair, sit on the bench, and relax in whatever way appeals to you. You can get to know your neighbors, peak through the higher fence and say hi to the seniors and whatever else comes to mind. Here’s the Ordinance so you can see for yourself what the rules are.

WHAT I HAVE DONE HERE: I have sketched, watercolored, read a book, wandered around trying to figure out which open space were the two POPOS. I have brought friends and their dogs to play - and test drive this as a dog park.

WHAT YOU CAN’T DO THERE: Pretty much anything as long as you follow the basics: No smoking, leaving a mess (human or pet), being too loud and otherwise forgetting that you are at the home of some older members of the Public, some of whom have limitations, including memory issues.

WHAT YOU COULD DO THERE: In addition to all the “WHAT YOU CAN DO THERE” ideas, you could have a dog birthday party, a neighborhood picnic/block party, play games. Your turn…