Dave Brubeck Park

History

In 1911 Mrs. Brubeck inherited their family home from her father, Henry Ivey, who owned and ran one of the livery stables in Concord. At the house where all three of her sons were born. Mr. & Mrs. Brubeck initially met in the house when he was brought home for dinner by her father, who had been fascinated by young “Pete” Brubeck. Pete Brubeck had come to Concord with his father from Lassen County, together with horses and cattle that he used to store the new ranch he had bought in Ignacio Valley along with pasture leased in what is now the Concord Pavilion site. Dave Brubeck, as you might remember, later performed several concerts at the Pavilion, a coming home experience he found very gratifying.

The house, according to Dave’s brother Howard, who still lives in Concord, was located on what is now the Park’s tennis courts. After Mrs. Brubeck died in 1970, the house was rented out to various families until it was finally torn down in 1988. The front porch where the Brubeck kids used to listen to their father play the piano still exists and is now located in the Park near the entrance on Salvio Street. The chimney was also saved and is a prominent feature in the Park.

The Dave Brubeck Park concept began percolating soon after Mrs. Brubeck’s death when a group of Concord residents, including some of Dave Brubeck’s friends and fans, started meeting to discuss the possibility of establishing a park in Concord in his memory. The group decided that the best location for the Park would be adjacent to Todos Santos Plaza where concerts and other special events are often held. The Concord City Council agreed and, in 1974, the Concord Redevelopment Agency (RDA) purchased the property where the Park is now located.

The Park’s design was a collaborative effort between the City, the RDA, and several local citizens including members of the Brubeck family. The goal was to create a park that would be both aesthetically pleasing and functional, a place where people could come to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and listen to music. Dave Brubeck himself was involved in the design process and even donated one of his pianos to be used in the Park.

The Park was dedicated on October 6, 1979, and has been a popular spot for Concord residents and visitors ever since. In addition to the piano, the Park features several other musical instruments including a xylophone, drums, and a set of chimes. There is also a gazebo where live music is often played, and plenty of benches and picnic tables for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Amenities

Dave Brubeck Park features a variety of amenities that make it an enjoyable place to visit. In addition to the musical instruments and gazebo, there are also plenty of benches and picnic tables for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. The Park also has a playground for children, a basketball court, and a walking path that winds its way through the trees.

How To Get There

Dave Brubeck Park is located in downtown Concord, on the corner of Salvio Street and Grant Street. There is a public parking lot adjacent to the Park, and street parking is also available. The Park is easily accessible by public transportation, and there are several restaurants and shops nearby for grabbing a bite or doing some shopping.

Dave Brubeck Park is a great place to visit if you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. With its beautiful surroundings and variety of amenities, it's no wonder that the park is such a popular spot for Concord residents and visitors alike. So whether you're a fan of Dave Brubeck or just looking for a nice place to take a stroll, be sure to check out Dave Brubeck Park the next time you're in Concord.