Tamien Park

A Fresh Urban Retreat

Found in the heart of San Jose, Tamien Park is a relatively new green space that's been breathing life into the concrete jungle since 2017. Named after the indigenous Tamien people of the Ohlone nation, this park has been a welcome addition to the neighborhood that shares its name.

The park came to life in two stages - the first 1.4 acres debuted in 2017 with the basics: a playground, some picnic spots, and a basketball court. Fast forward to June 2021, and the full 3.5-acre vision was realized, giving locals a more expansive place to play and unwind.

Thoughtful Design Elements

What makes Tamien Park stand out is its eco-conscious design. An impressive 90% of the park's surface is actually permeable - a smart approach to stormwater management that minimizes environmental impact. It's sustainability in action without making a big fuss about it.

The park's centerpiece is a generous open grassy field surrounded by a rubberized walking track that's kind to your joints while providing just the right amount of bounce. As dusk falls, the well-placed lighting around the track makes evening strolls or runs both practical and pleasant.

Play and Recreation Options

Kids have their pick of two different playgrounds designed with specific age groups in mind. Both play areas feature modern equipment and safety-conscious rubberized flooring to cushion any tumbles. Adventure-seeking youngsters particularly enjoy the rock climbing wall that adds an extra challenge to playground fun.

For the more sports-minded visitors, Tamien offers a solid basketball court, a volleyball court, and even table tennis tables for those ping-pong showdowns. The grassy area doubles as a mini soccer field, ideal for casual kickarounds without needing a full-sized pitch.

Fitness enthusiasts haven't been forgotten either - a dedicated fitness area with various outdoor exercise equipment means you can skip the gym membership and work out with fresh air as your companion.

Practical Amenities

When nature calls, you'll discover clean, wheelchair-accessible restrooms on site - a basic but essential feature for any good park. Throughout the grounds, picnic tables offer spots to enjoy lunch or an impromptu outdoor dinner, however you might want to claim the shaded ones early on sunny days.

The thoughtful distribution of tables and benches across the park creates natural gathering spaces for families and friends, making it easy to settle in for an afternoon of relaxation.

Getting There

One of Tamien Park's biggest perks is its location right next to the Tamien Caltrain and VTA Light Rail stations, making it an ideal example of transit-oriented urban planning. You can literally step off public transport and into nature - a rare convenience in most cities.

If you're driving, don't worry about circling for parking - there's plenty of it near the basketball court area, so you can focus on enjoying your visit rather than where to leave your car.