Overfelt Gardens is a 33-acre park in the Alum Rock area of East San Jose, on McKee Road just south of Independence High School, according to Wikipedia. It is unusual among city parks: by design, there is nowhere to play ball.

A gift with conditions

The City of San Jose says Mildred Overfelt donated the land in 1959. She wanted a place of rest, relaxation and aesthetic enjoyment for the people of San Jose. To keep it that way, the deed does not allow facilities for active sports such as football, baseball, basketball or soccer.

Wikipedia adds that she gave the land in memory of her parents, William and Mary Overfelt, pioneers who started grain and dairy farms in the 1850s. The park opened in 1966.

What is there

  • Gardens: The city says the park once had themed gardens, including rose, iris, water and California native gardens. Wikipedia mentions an early fragrance garden of aromatic plants.
  • Ponds: Three connected percolation ponds rise and shrink through the year and provide habitat for birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and fish, Wikipedia says. Part of the park is a California native plant and wildlife sanctuary.
  • Chinese Cultural Garden: The city says the garden, with sculptures, monuments and pavilions celebrating Chinese culture, philosophy and architecture, was inspired by San Jose residents Frank and Pauline Lowe and developed in 1971 with the city. A large statue of Confucius overlooks a reflecting pond.

The master plan

San Jose has been working on a master plan to reinvigorate the park, with virtual community meetings held in 2021 and 2023. The city says the plan will keep the deed's limits. Permitted uses include landscaping, sanctuaries, reflecting pools, fountains, amphitheaters and picnic and barbecue areas. Community input pointed toward a walking and jogging loop, better gardens and open space for community events.

A main goal is fixing the ponds. The city says restoring their water quality and appearance depends on a regular water supply, treatment and possible reconstruction, and that its engineers have been analyzing the issue with Santa Clara Valley Water District.

For more San Jose history, see our guide to History Park at Kelley Park.