- University Park Elementary School Home of the Panthers Salinas, CA Partners for Peace Visitor number since 1998 University Park Elementary School is located in the Salinas Valley. The Salinas Valley is referred to as the Salad Bowl of the World due to its ideal climate for growing lettuce and green leaf vegetables. Salinas, California is the birthplace of the world famous author, John Steinbeck.schools.monterey.k12.ca.us/~unvipark