Monkey Island

A cute little patch of grass that's perfect for picnics with friends. The neighborhood is quiet and clean.

Excellent park. During the summer months- once a month, live Musicians come & Play for the community. Laurel's Quartet (an all Girl Ensemble) wowed us w/ a Jazz set (Sax, Flute, Drums & Bass), while Christian Salazar (by way of Brazil) amazed the crowd w/ his Amazing Guitar riffs & Brazilian Vocals; Truly a Treat!

Prior to the development of the 'Claremont Court' subdivision, a spring at the top of the Garber St. hill flowed down and created a pond here. It is said that local farmers would bring their cattle to wallow in the cool waters. The famed painter William Keith is said to have painted the pastoral scene.

With the initial development of the subdivision in 1906, a water company took over the spring, and a culvert was built, allowing the creation of the park. The subdivision plan called for gas street lanterns, but after the earthquake and fire in San Francisco the idea was discarded. The original gas lines are exposed in some places in the parking strips. The subdivision initially prohibited automobiles.

Sometime in the 1920's a Monkey tree was planted on the park. Over the decades it grew to be very large. During the 1960's, neighborhood children would meet at the tree in the evening to play tag and hide & seek. Eventually, the Monkey tree grew so large that the City decided it was a potential hazard and removed it.

Although many believe it to be a 'dog park', it is not. The park is reserved for cats on Tuesday and Thursday.

Great local gathering space for kids, dogs, neighbors. Don't known where the name came from as I have visited the park for decade's & have never seen a monkey. A permanent picnic table would be a nice addition.