Emma Prusch Farm Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Emma Prusch Farm Park |
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Preserved farm house at the park
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| Location | 647 S King Road, San Jose, CA 95116 |
| Governing body | Emma Prusch Farm Park Foundation, 501c3 City of San Jose Parks & Recreation Dept. |
| Owner | City of San Jose |
Emma Prusch Farm Park is a large park in East San Jose, California. It covers about 43.5 acres (176,000 square meters). Emma Prusch gave this land to the City of San Jose in 1962. She wanted it to show how the valley used to be a farming area.
The park has many cool features. You can find a 4-H barn, which is the biggest in San Jose. There are also community gardens and special orchards with rare fruits. The park has picnic spots and big grassy areas for playing. Every year, the park hosts a fun Harvest Festival. The City of San Jose and the Emma Prusch Farm Park Foundation work together to run the park.
History of the Farm Park
Emma Prusch gave her 42-acre farm to the City of San Jose in 1962. She wanted the land to stay for farming activities. This way, people could learn about farm life. The park is run like a small farm by the City of San Jose's Parks Department.
Kids in programs like 4-H and Future Farmers of America can use the barn space. This lets them learn about farming even though they live in a city. The farm also has special orchards. One has rare fruits, and another has fruits that lose their leaves in winter.
There are also two community gardens. A 6-acre urban farming project called Veggielution is also part of the park. In the spring, the park offers tours for young school groups. These tours help students learn about gardens, fruit trees, poultry (like chickens), and other livestock (farm animals).
What Can You Do at the Park?
Emma Prusch Farm Park has lots of exciting things to see and do. It's a great place to learn about farm life and enjoy nature.
- The Old Farmhouse: You can see the original Prusch farmhouse. It has been kept just as it was, showing how people lived on the farm long ago.
- The Big Barn: San Jose's largest free-standing barn is here. City staff run it. The types of farm animals change with the seasons. Kids in 4-H and the Future Farmers of America raise animals right in the middle of the city!
- Animal Yard: There's a small animal yard where you can get close to farm animals. It's a fun way to see them up close.
- Rare Fruit Orchard: This orchard is a big project with the California Rare Fruit Growers Association. It has over 125 rare and unusual fruit trees. You can find bananas, citrus fruits, and other fruits that grow in warm places. New signs help you learn about each tree as you walk around.
- Open Grass Areas: The park has many acres of open grass. These are perfect for picnicking, kite flying, playing games, or just relaxing.
- Picnic and Event Areas: You can reserve five group picnic areas. There's also an outdoor Wedding Barn and a Meeting Hall with a kitchen that you can rent.
- Harvest Festival: The first Saturday in October is the Harvest Festival. This yearly fair has dancing from different cultures. You can also enjoy a hay wagon ride and see a 4-H animal show. They even make fresh apple cider! You can buy plants and enjoy other family-friendly activities. The entrance is free.
Photo gallery
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Playground and picnic area with view of mountains
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4-H barn exterior
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4-H barn interior
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Information sign at Emma's home
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Gardens in front of Emma's home
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People on a park lawn with mountains in background
