Park of the Week: Souyen Park

One of San Ramon's biggest prides and joys is the city's amazing park system. Our city has a whopping 53 parks spread throughout our vast community, ranging from small neighborhood playgrounds to multi-acre, multi-feature parks.

Each week we'll be highlighting one of our city parks, showing you photos, listing park features, and telling you what's special about them. 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: Souyen Park (on Albion Road)

Souyen Park is named for the Souyen Indians, one of the Native American tribes that first called the San Ramon Valley home. The history of the Souyen and the origins of the park's name are detailed on a sign near the entrance.

Thugh not the largest in the system, San Ramon's Souyen Park makes up for what it lacks in square footage with fun features that you won't find in your standard neighborhood park.

Among the unique elements that Souyen Park packs into its 2.4 acres are two full-sized Bocce ball courts. Vine-covered trellises shade the players while spectators relax on benches that line the natural-soil courts.

As adults enjoy a game or two, kids can take advantage of the park's extensive play structure, complete with colorful swings, slides and monkey bars. Mini mountain climbers will also have a blast on the playground's rock-wall, another of the park's distinctive features.

Located between the playground and the Bocce ball courts, picnic tables and barbecues facilities make it easy for adults and children to rest and refuel. Restrooms and water fountains are adjacent to the playground equipment.

In addition to Bocce ball and rock-climbing, the park boasts other sporting opportunities, including a soccer field and public tennis courts.

Souyen Park is located in the Dougherty Valley on Albion Road.

Have you visited Souyen Park? What's your favorite thing to do there? What do you wish the park offered that it doesn't? Share your views with other Patch readers by adding your comment in the box below.