McEnery Park
 Named after
John P. McEnery (father of former Mayor Tom), who was prominent in local
politics and community life in San Jose, the park
is located on the south side San Fernando Street, just east of the
river.
McEnery Park was carefully designed for children’s creative
play. For older kids, there’s a structure of nets and ropes to climb
on. For little ones, there are colorful spring toys and a model boat.
But most children (and their parents!) will be playing in the
river. That’s not the Guadalupe River itself, but a re-creation of the
Guadalupe. This new "river" forms the central spine of the
park. It starts in the mountains with mist and boulders, flows through
sandy foothills, and meanders on a broad plain before disappearing into
irrigated fields. You don’t need to know all this, however, if you are
four years old and just want to run through the misty sprays of water on
a hot day or make castles in the sand!
 Playful dragonfly sculptures hover above the river, calling out the
need for all rivers to be free of pollution. Long arcing benches follow
the sinuous flow of the water. Diagonal paths have patterns inviting
children to count and read and measure. Completing the park are picnic
tables, restrooms, and lawn areas for relaxation and play.
McEnery
Park is a valuable addition to the downtown, in itself, but may be
better seen as one of a chain of opportunities for families who wish to
spend time enjoying the river park. Spend a morning at the Children’s
Discovery Museum, check out the structure of the Children’s Bridge,
spend a few quiet moments at the Okayama Sister City commemoration,
enjoy a picnic at McEnery Park, and then take a ride on the Children’s
Carousel at Arena Green.
The best family outings often include outdoor experiences where kids
have the freedom to run, climb, and play creatively. McEnery Park offers
all of that, in a setting close to home. We invite you to come enjoy
this unique children’s attraction! |
