Memorial Park Specific Plan
Cupertino, CA
Reimagining Cupertino’s Signature Community Park
As Cupertino’s largest and most beloved park, the 22-acre Memorial Park has long served as a hub for recreation, cultural events, and civic life. Following the City’s 2020 Parks and Recreation System Master Plan, GATES led a multidisciplinary team to create a forward-looking Specific Plan that preserves the park’s character while introducing improvements to meet evolving community needs.
Through a multi-phase outreach process, GATES engaged residents in shaping a vision that balances natural beauty with active recreation. The community-preferred plan introduces nature and all-abilities playgrounds, pickleball and basketball courts, a passive garden walk, and upgraded restrooms and amphitheater, along with improvements to circulation and accessibility. Together, these enhancements ensure Memorial Park remains a vibrant, inclusive, and adaptable public space for generations to come.
The plan was adopted by City Council in 2024.
Key Considerations
A Community-Centered VisionMore than 3,300 participants shaped the plan through surveys, workshops, and online input. Building on the 2020 Parks & Recreation Master Plan, the community emphasized the need for a park that’s welcoming, easy to navigate, and uniquely Cupertino—offering inclusive access, diverse recreation, and meaningful connections with nature.
Supporting Events and Everyday UseFestivals and performances are at the heart of Memorial Park. To strengthen its role as Cupertino’s cultural hub, the plan enhances event infrastructure with upgrades to the amphitheater, expanded picnic areas, a flexible central plaza, and open lawns that support both large gatherings and daily recreation.
Preserving Heritage, Enhancing AmenitiesBeloved cultural features—such as the Veterans Memorial, memorial trees, and gazebo—will be preserved and refreshed. Core facilities like the Quinlan Community Center and lighted softball field remain, with thoughtful improvements to boost functionality. The plan balances honoring the park’s legacy with future-ready enhancements.
From Ideas to realization
Public outreach events, site assessments, and synthesizing community input
Concept A
Preliminary concept options and photosimulations help to communicate themes, vision, and design intent
After three rounds of public outreach, the final preferred concept was accepted to guide improvements at Memorial Park over the next several years.
Visualizing a future Memorial Park
Photosimulation of a passive garden walk
Visualizing a proposed event plaza
Photosimulation of a new entry plaza for Memorial Park, with seating and shade provided by a tree canopy
The Document
Click the image to view the full plan document