Henry Schmidt Park

A Piece of Santa Clara Sports History

Located in Santa Clara, California, Henry Schmidt Park spans 8 acres of community green space with a rich athletic heritage. The park's crown jewel is the "Henry Schmidt Park Walls of Fame," which chronicles four decades of sports memories from Schmidt's dedicated career training athletes. His impressive resume includes work with both the Santa Clara University Bronco athletic teams and the San Francisco 49ers. You can find this sports memorabilia treasure trove inside the neighborhood building, which occasionally transforms into a space for yoga and meditation workshops.

Get Your Game On

Whether you're a casual player or serious about your sports, you'll find several options here. The Tom Barrett Softball Field anchors the athletic offerings, complemented by an exercise course for those looking to break a sweat.

Tennis enthusiasts can utilize the four available courts, but be aware they're showing their age with a few cracks here and there. There's also a basketball court that, while not quite regulation-perfect, provides a solid spot for pickup games. The generous open grassy areas make perfect impromptu fields for soccer, frisbee, or whatever game strikes your fancy. If volleyball's your thing, a regular group meets here and welcomes players of all abilities - from first-timers to seasoned spikers.

Kid Zone

The children's play area makes this park a family favorite, however the equipment has definitely seen better days. Once upon a time, kids could climb aboard a train-themed play structure, but safety concerns have led to parts of it being removed over the years.

The playground sits on a sand base and includes swings for the little ones. Parents can keep watch from nearby benches, but note that shade is limited over the play area - hats and sunscreen are must-haves during warmer months.

Take a Break

When it's time to refuel, the park offers picnic facilities and barbecue pits ideal for outdoor meals. You can find plenty of picnic tables scattered throughout, however most sit under open skies rather than shady canopies. If you're planning a weekend cookout, arriving early is your best bet for snagging a good spot.

The park maintains clean restroom facilities and provides a drinking fountain with a convenient foot-wash station near the playground - particularly handy after sandbox adventures. Off-street parking is available, but it fills quickly due to the neighboring apartment complex, so plan accordingly.

Natural Setting

The landscape strikes a nice balance between sunny open fields and shaded retreats under mature trees. You'll often see dog walkers, morning joggers, and families enjoying the outdoor space.

Despite its suburban setting, the grounds and landscaping help create a relatively quiet atmosphere. The park welcomes visitors daily from 6:00 AM until 7:00 PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours to enjoy this community green space.