About Us

Club History

THE BEGINNING

It was 1952 when a group of twenty from local professional and educational communities formed the University Club of Palo Alto. With 115 member families, the club hosted social programs like weekly luncheons, bridge evenings, family swim events, and dancing parties at Rickey's Hyatt. By 1956, the University Club had become so popular that the 7-acre site was identified and construction plans were approved.  Members banded together with enthusiasm giving their time and talent to the ambitious construction project.

EARLY GROWTH

By the summer of 1958, member families were splashing in the beautiful club swimming pool. In 1959, the clubhouse opened and tennis courts soon followed. The casual family culture of the Club was born.  Financial integrity and never losing sight of the promise to provide fellowship and recreation for its members guided the growth and prestige of the Club.

MODERNIZATION

Since the early start as a private swim and tennis club, the Club continually improves facilities and programs to meet members' needs. In addition to strong tennis and swim programs, the Club offers pickleball and fitness programs with professional coaches dedicated to athleticism and sportsmanship. Our Bocce leagues are competitive and fun, and members enjoy bridge and mahjong in the California modern clubhouse. Families are the heart of our club with a tradition of year-round and summer programs in swim, tennis and camp. The casual vibe welcomes children throughout the club. The Club offers a variety of dining options from informal to fine dining, and a calendar filled with club-hosted social events. Our members celebrate holidays at the club and appreciate events such as wine-pairing dinners and poolside barbeques. 

Mission Statement

The University Club of Palo Alto is an inclusive private recreational, social, and dining club that provides a relaxed and beautiful environment for our members to engage in activities such as tennis and pickleball, swimming, fitness, and social events typically centered around meals; all supported by a friendly and service oriented staff.

Vision Statement

At the University Club of Palo Alto, we strive to be our members’ second home. We foster a sense of community by providing a relaxed atmosphere in a beautiful and serene space where members of all ages participate in recreational, social, and dining activities. Our members engage in activities that include tennis and pickleball, swimming, and fitness -- on their own, in organized programs, and as members of competitive teams.  Our members also engage in a variety of social and educational events that are typically centered around food and drinks.  We follow clearly defined short- and long-term plans for maintaining and improving our facilities, funded by careful attention to annual budgets and a steady stream of new members providing capital through initiation fees.  We envision the UCPA as the preferred option in our geographic area for families, couples, and single adults seeking a well-managed, welcoming, and inclusive private social and recreational club and the community and friendship it affords.