Cahill Park

A Bit of History

Cahill Park has been a San Jose green space since 2003 when it was handed over to the city. It bears the name of Hiram B. Cahill, the original owner of the land where both the park and nearby Diridon Station (once called Cahill Depot) now sit.

There's a nice bit of history here - Hiram's widow, Mary Welch Cahill, eventually sold the property to Southern Pacific Railroad with one heartfelt request: that the station they built would carry her husband's name in remembrance.

What You'll Find

Spanning 3.7 acres, this neighborhood park has something for everyone. If you're bringing little ones, you'll appreciate the gated playground with dedicated areas for toddlers (ages 2-5) and older kids (5-12), keeping playtime both fun and age-appropriate. There's even a swing set nestled between the two play areas.

Basketball fans can shoot some hoops at the half court, but it might be showing its age a bit. The generous grassy field is meant for everything from casual frisbee games to peaceful afternoon picnics or just wandering around to clear your head.

The park stays open 24 hours, but heads up - there aren't any restrooms or designated parking spots. While picnic tables are absent, the spacious lawn makes for a wonderful spot to spread out a blanket and enjoy an outdoor meal.

The Vibe

One of the nicest things about Cahill Park is its laid-back, friendly atmosphere. The expansive green space offers a little breathing room from the urban hustle - a place where you can actually relax and recharge.

Dog lovers seem to have unofficially adopted this park as a favorite spot. Though not technically a dog park, you'll often see people and their four-legged friends enjoying the open space. Just remember that keeping your pup leashed is the rule here.

The park tends to come alive most in the evenings and on weekends, when families, dog walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts gather to enjoy the fresh air.

Where It Sits

Cahill Park is tucked into the St. Leo's neighborhood within The Alameda district of San Jose. Its location just west of Diridon Station in Downtown San Jose makes it both a local treasure and an accessible green retreat.

The park is nestled among residential areas, with some lucky townhouse residents enjoying views that overlook the green space. Its proximity to Diridon Station also makes it easily reachable for both locals and those just passing through.

Looking Ahead

In recent years, Cahill Park has found itself part of the conversation around San Jose's urban evolution. The park is among the areas affected by Google's planned revitalization of the Diridon area in Downtown San Jose - a sign of its importance in the city's changing landscape.