After over one year of site assessments and community outreach, the City of Los Altos is moving into the next phase of design for a new downtown park. The project, proposed by the Los Altos City Council in 2024, aims to replace a parking lot on Plaza Street with a new park rooted in nature, connection, creativity and community belonging, according to Assistant to the City Manager of Los Altos Anthony Carnesecca.

To guide the park’s design, Carnesseca said city staff held 48 engagement events over the summer, attracting over 1,000 residents each, from farmers’ markets and library pop-ups to high school visits and café conversations.

“[Residents] want a park that feels open and welcoming, where food, conversation and connection come naturally,” Carnesecca said.

Although Los Altos already has parks like Lincoln and Shoup, the new downtown park will serve a different purpose, according to Carnesecca. He said that nearby parks aren’t widely used as community gathering spaces, and that the proposed park would create a new public area for both residents and visitors to enjoy downtown.

One major concern raised by businesses in the downtown area during outreach is that the new park will worsen preexisting parking shortages. Carnesseca said they are exploring multiple solutions, including underground parking beneath the park or an above-ground structure.

According to Carnesecca, the project will be funded through park-in-lieu fees paid by developers rather than resident tax dollars. The city plans to present three design concepts based on community feedback in early 2026, though construction is still several years away. Still, Carnessecca said he hopes the completed park will provide more than just a green space.

“The intention of this park is to create a new space for residents, visitors, employees and business owners to grab lunch from a local restaurant, enjoy coffee with a friend or relax under the shade of trees with neighbors,” Carnesecca said.