Ramac Park

Tech Heritage

Tucked in San Jose's suburban landscape, Ramac Park quietly holds a piece of computing history. The park's name isn't random - it commemorates the groundbreaking IBM 305 RAMAC, the world's first hard disk drive developed right on this very site back in the 1950s. As you wander through, you'll spot a few tile murals that survived from the old IBM campus, including one design that symbolizes computer punch cards. It's this subtle tech connection that gives Ramac Park a unique historical character.

Location and Size

Spanning 10.64 acres, this park sits at the intersection of Charlotte Drive and Lexington Avenue in southern San Jose. It's nestled among residential neighborhoods and conveniently close to shopping centers, making it easy to swing by after grabbing groceries or making a Costco run. There's a decent-sized parking lot that usually has space, but you might need to circle around a bit during weekend games or events.

Sports and Recreation Facilities

The park offers facilities for both casual players and organized leagues. The lighted softball field hosts regular games, while the soccer field - freshly updated with new artificial turf in early 2024 - is well-maintained (just note that you'll need a permit to use it). The park also offers a half-court basketball area and a single tennis court that's well-maintained, though you'll want to wrap up your match before sunset as it lacks lighting.

Playgrounds and Family Areas

Kids have plenty of room to burn energy at the two playgrounds equipped with all the essentials - swings, slides, climbing structures, and monkey bars. One area caters to the little ones, while the other offers more challenging equipment for older children.

Planning a family gathering? The spacious picnic areas come with large tables and BBQ grills, excellent for everything from birthday celebrations to casual weekend cookouts. These areas are roomy enough to accommodate larger groups, making them popular spots for community get-togethers.

Outdoor Activities

The park features walking paths that loop around the grounds. The layout thoughtfully balances active recreation zones with quieter spaces where you can simply enjoy being outdoors.

The open grassy areas provide plenty of space for impromptu frisbee games, picnic blankets, or letting your four-legged friend stretch their legs. You'll often see locals walking their dogs here, with unofficial but respected areas where small and large dogs can play separately.

Amenities

You can find handicap-accessible restrooms available during park hours. They're functional but basic - cleanliness tends to be better earlier in the day before the weekend crowds arrive.

Spring is an especially nice time to visit the park. The flowering trees, especially the cherry blossoms, transform the landscape with splashes of color. The grounds are generally kept clean with regular maintenance, but it's always good practice to clean up after yourself and your pets to help keep the park looking its best.