Park of the Week: Gale Ranch Middle School Park

One of San Ramon's biggest prides and joys is its amazing park system. Our city has a whopping 53 parks that range from small neighborhood playgrounds to multiacre, multifeature parks.

Each week we'll highlight one of our city parks, showing you photos, listing park features and telling you what's special about it. We have so many parks that it will take Patch more than a year to profile each of them. So if you have a special park you'd like featured next, let us know!

Park of the Week: Gale Ranch Middle School Park

As an important piece of the Gale Ranch Middle School campus, the 115 acres of Gale Ranch Park are ideally designed for youngsters who want to get outside and get moving.

One of the most attractive qualities of the park is its undeniable newness. The Middle School first opened its gates only two years ago, in the fall of 2008. This translates to spanking new facilities and gorgeous grounds.

Flag football for example, which is a favorite activity of the Gale Ranch Gryphons, is made all the more enjoyable when played on the school's lush grassy fields. Springy to the step and soft to the touch, Gale Ranch Park's lawns are great for athletics or just a game of tag.

The baseball field at Gale Ranch is also nothing to be scoffed at. With a clean diamond and regularly mowed lawns beyond, it's the perfect platform for young sluggers and base stealers to practice their game.

Those more inclined to hoops will appreciate the shiny new basketball court in the gym, which is accessible to students for team practices and sometimes for free play.

Whether you're a sports fanatic or just want some fun in the sun, Gale Ranch Middle School Park is a spot you don't want to pass up!