Watson Park

A Glimpse into the Past

Tucked about 2 miles northeast of downtown San Jose, Watson Park spreads across 26 acres of urban green space. This park's story begins back in 1913 when San Jose purchased the southern portion of the land.

Interestingly, from 1914 to 1934, the site was home to a city incinerator used for burning trash (not exactly the most glamorous start for a public park!). After the incinerator was demolished, the land sat idle for years. The city acquired the northern section in 1959, and by 1961, Empire Gardens Elementary School had found its home on the southern end of the property.

Watson Park as we know it today finally opened to the public around 1970.

Get Your Game On

Watson Park offers several options for physical activity. The park features a mix of natural and artificial surfaces, including two soccer fields. One field boasts artificial turf, meaning your weekend match won't get rained out when the weather turns. These fields see plenty of action, particularly during weekday evenings and weekends when they fill with players of all skill levels.

Dog owners will appreciate that The park includes a spacious off-leash dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs. The large dog section gives your energetic pup plenty of room to sprint and socialize safely with other four-legged friends.

Basketball enthusiasts can hit the well-maintained courts for some pickup games or solo practice. And occasionally, you might spot middle school baseball teams using the fields for their games.

Kid-Friendly Fun

Watson Park doesn't forget about the little ones. The playground areas are thoughtfully divided: one section designed specifically for toddlers aged 2-5 and another for older children aged 5-12. Parents will appreciate the sun shades over the play equipment, offering much-needed protection on those sunny California days.

The playgrounds provide a safe environment where kids can climb, slide, and develop their coordination skills. Beyond the structured play areas, there are plenty of open grassy spaces where children can run free and let their imaginations soar.

Chill and Grill

Planning an outdoor gathering? The park offers picnic areas complete with barbecue facilities for your weekend cookouts. Many visitors simply bring blankets and spread out on the grass for casual lunches or afternoon reading sessions.

Restrooms are available, but be aware that some areas use portable toilets rather than permanent facilities. You won't need to stress about parking, as there's plenty of on-site space for vehicles even during busy periods.

One of the park's unofficial but treasured features is the food vendors that frequently set up near the entrance. After working up an appetite playing soccer or chasing your dog, you can grab a taco or fresh fruit from one of the local stands.

The park's open spaces are good for flying kites, tossing frisbees, or simply lounging on the grass with a good book. Though the park could use more trees and shaded areas throughout, it remains a versatile outdoor retreat.

Environmental Note

In the interest of full transparency, parts of Watson Park were temporarily closed in 2005 following the discovery of lead contamination in the soil of the southern section. Subsequent testing showed that several areas including the dog park, soccer bowl, and certain streets weren't affected by this contamination.