The most common question we've been asked by even locals is "Where the heck is Stadium Park?"  Answer:  Stadium Park is located on Capistrano Avenue in Atascadero, 1/2 mile East of City Hall and 1/4 mile from the Bank of America.  Its entrance is just under the Highway 41 overpass. This special place has been described as "a hidden jewel," and "a diamond in the rough."  Not surprisingly, the park is an island, mostly surrounded by private property.

After turning off Capistrano Avenue, you turn off onto a dirt road and walk under the 41 overpass.   You will walk through the newly constructed fence/turnstile and up to the entrance sign for Stadium Park.  This sign was constructed and installed by a local Boy Scout in 2004.  (Thank you Boy Scout...whoever you are!) 

photo courtesy of Heidi Franscioni

photo courtesy of Heidi Franscioni

A pleasant dirt road winds through oak forest to the natural bowl amphitheatre and park clearing.  A separate hiking trail parallels the road to the left and offers an even more pastoral entrance into the park.

Shortly after the turn of the 20th century, Stadium Park fulfilled promises of country life combined with city culture.  These promises were made by Atascadero's founder, E.G. Lewis in printed leaflets which were distributed nationwide while trying to attract residents to his colony.  

photo courtesy of The Atascadero Historical Society

photo courtesy of The Atascadero Historical Society

Shown above are colonists who gathered along the hillside while performances took place below under the big Oak tree, seen at the left.

During the 1920's, Stadium Park was a gathering place for community events, concerts, and theater.  Performances were held on a big stage under an Oak tree.  That stage was later moved to where the Atascadero Lake Pavilion now stands.

photo courtesy of The Atascadero Historical Society

photo courtesy of Heidi Franscioni

Stadium Park was privately owned for many decades.  In large part due to the support from A.L.P.S., the park was turned over to the City of Atascadero in 1993.  As far as we know, the 1st Annual Pine Mountain Festival held in 2003 was the first time Stadium Park was used for a large community event since the 1920s. 

Stadium Park looks very much the same today as it did 100 years ago!  There is no power, no water, and no structures of any kind!   Besides being a beautiful park, it is a natural amphitheater with gently sloping hills leading to the basin.  Acoustics are ideal just as nature made them. 

Now, at the turn of a new century, Stadium Park may again play another major role of transforming Atascadero into a destination of culture interest.

photo courtesy of Heidi Franscioni

Photo by George Westlund

Shown left is Joe Craven performing to the dedicated music lovers who came out to the 1st Annual Pine Mountain Festival. 

Stadium Park is a great place for a walk, a run, a picnic, a kiss, and a game of tag!
 

Mr. Lewis, we thank you for your vision.