Emma Prusch Farm Park

History and Origin

Emma Prusch Farm Park is a 43.5-acre park located in East San Jose, California. The park was established in 1962 when Emma Prusch donated her dairy farm property to the City of San Jose. Her intention was to preserve the land as a public park that would demonstrate the valley's agricultural heritage.

Farm Animals and Facilities

The park features San Jose's largest barn, which houses 4-H livestock projects. The animals in the barn vary throughout the year, providing visitors with changing experiences.

Additionally, the park maintains a small animal yard where children can observe farm animals up close.

Rare Fruit Orchards

One of the park's notable features is the California Rare Fruit Growers Orchard, a collaborative project with the California Rare Fruit Growers Association. This orchard contains over 125 rare and exotic fruit trees, including bananas, citrus, and other subtropical varieties.

Visitors can take self-guided tours of the orchard using informational signage to identify each tree.

The park also boasts extensive community gardens and a rare historic fruit orchard.

Recreation Areas

Acres of open grass provide ample space for picnicking, kite flying, and various recreational activities. The park's layout allows visitors to experience a rural atmosphere within the urban environment of San Jose.

Educational Programs

Emma Prusch Farm Park hosts educational programs for school children and other groups. These programs offer hands-on experiences in animal care, gardening, and cooking.

The park also features a Summer Camp program where children can spend time caring for farm animals and growing vegetables in their own garden plots.

Special Events

Throughout the year, the park hosts special events. One of the most significant is the annual Harvest Festival, held on the first Saturday in October.

This fair includes multicultural dancing, hay wagon rides, a 4-H animal expo, fresh pressed apple cider, plant sales, and various family-friendly activities.