Bordering Palo Alto at its southeast limit, Barron Park was one of the last neighborhoods to officially annex to the City of Palo Alto in 1975. Fiercely independent, Barron Park voted against incorporation half a dozen times over the years. This was due to the lingering animosity from when the Barron Mansion, built in 1895 and the neighborhood’s pride, burned down in 1936. When it caught on fire, the Palo Alto Fire Department, due to liability concerns, refused to extinguish a fire outside of their district, causing anger and resentment to residents. The Menlo Park and Redwood City fire departments tried, but failed to save the home. 

Life in Barron Park is akin to country living: less sidewalks, an abundance of lush vegetation, peaceful, meandering creeks, and hidden bike paths that connect to local schools and Stanford Research Park. All of the amenities of downtown Los Altos and California Avenue are also easily accessible. 

Barron Park maintains a rich history of community tradition, boasting a strong neighborhood association, and the 13-acre Bol Park, home to the local celebrities: donkeys Jenny and Perry. When artists of DreamWorks, headquartered in Redwood City at the time, needed to sketch a donkey for Shrek, they used Perry as their muse. Ken and his family lived in Barron Park for five years and shared a fence with Perry who would occasionally graze in their backyard. 

The strong sense of community in Barron Park is evident through events held in Bol Park, including the May Fête celebration and outdoor movie nights. While some of Barron Park lies within the Palo Alto school district, homes west of Los Robles Avenue are districted to Barron Park Elementary School.