Photos

The 240 homes in the neighborhoods of Suburban Park, Lorelei Manor and Flood Triangle are three distinct neighborhoods linked by geography. Flood Park, 23 acres dotted with oak and bay trees, is the centerpiece of the three communities enclosed by Marsh Road, Bay Road and Highway 101.

Michael Murphy has lived in Lorelei Manor for about 11 years. His home, as many in the neighborhood, was built in the early 1950s and has been expanded.

"You can still recognize the original sub-division style as you walk around the area," he says. "Many of the houses have added family rooms and/or second stories."

Kitty Craven, a resident for over 40 years says, "When we first moved, the homes were considered modern ranch, with all-electric kitchens, and forced-air heat."

Ms. Craven has been active in the neighborhood association. Through the years the association, as the one in Suburban Park, has been a key element in organizing social get-togethers such as block parties, holiday celebrations and book clubs. Both associations play a strong role in advocating for neighborhood interests.

Current hot topics are the proposed Dumbarton Rail Project as well as a Hetch Hetchy repair project that impacts the greenbelt at the entrance to the area. Lorelei Manor fought for and won a zoning overlay that is specific to neighborhood needs. The typically 1/8-acre lots are smaller than those in most of Menlo Park.

Steve Wong lives next door to his parents in Suburban Park. "I'm one of at least five 'returning children,'" he says, describing the special pull of his close-knit community.

Suburban Park was established in l945 and was developed as housing for military personnel. Remodeling and rebuilding have introduced a more eclectic look as well as larger homes.

Kate Kennedy loves raising her children in Suburban Park. "There's a real support system in the neighborhood," she says.

"Our neighborhood association also does a lot of substantive work," says Ms. Kennedy. The Community Response Emergency Team, trained by the Menlo Park Fire Department, is an outgrowth of neighbors caring for neighbors, she adds.

Flood Triangle has through traffic, which the cul-de-sac configurations of Lorelei Manor and Suburban Park discourage.

Flood Park, an attractive, quiet oak-and-bay-studded neighborhood park, offers a natural oasis from the sound of nearby freeway traffic from nearby Hwy. 101.


FACTS


CHILDCARE & PRE SCHOOLS: James B. Flood School, 320 Sheridan Ave., Menlo Park

FIRE STATION: 300 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS: Lorelei Manor: Judith Holiber, president, 650-321-1331; Suburban Park: Steve Wong

PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Menlo Park City Elementary School District — Laurel School, 95 Edge Road, Atherton; Encinal School, 195 Encinal Ave., Menlo Park; Hillview Middle School, 1100 Elder Ave., Menlo Park

Sequoia Union High School District — Menlo-Atherton High School, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton

SHOPPING: Marsh Manor

MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE:

Suburban Park: $900,000 ($740,000-$1,192,000)

Lorelei Manor: $924,000 ($600,000-$1,055,000)

Flood Triangle: $972,000 ($800,000-$1,900,000)

HOMES SOLD:

Suburban Park: 5

Lorelei Manor: 5

Flood Triangle: 8

View the neighborhood map (PDF)

— Susan Golovin