Story Park

The inspiration

Story Park sits on land that Francis Q Story, a citrus grower and one of Alhambra's early civic boosters, donated to the city in 1928, giving Alhambra its second public park^1,2 . The city later bought the land just south of his gift, once occupied by the Alhambra Athletic Club with its pool, clubhouse and gymnasium, expanding the park in 1931¹ . That athletic club site eventually became home to the Joslyn Adult Center, which sits at the south end of the park today^3,1 .

Who's behind it

Francis Q Story (1845-1932) arrived in Alhambra in 1883 after stints in Boston and San Francisco, planted orange groves and became a leader of the California fruit growers' cooperative^2,4 .

What to order

Popular dish

Open grass area^3,5

room to spread out for a casual picnic or a pick-up game

• Playground equipment: a draw for families with kids in tow^3,5
• Picnic tables and BBQs: the setup for an easy afternoon cookout^3,5
• Ball field and tennis courts: the softball field is first-come when not in league use, and the Joslyn Center adds outdoor courts^6,3
• Restrooms: the park keeps basic facilities on hand^3,5

Why you should try it

If you are staying nearby and want a low-effort afternoon, this quiet neighborhood park covers the basics: grass, shade, a playground, picnic tables, sports space and the Joslyn Adult Center with its meeting rooms and tennis courts^3,5 . Renovation plans backed by a state open-space grant call for a more inclusive playground, added picnic shade, paths, lighting and natural areas, so it is a park the city is actively investing in .