Kearney Park

Kearney Park, located seven miles west of downtown Fresno, California, is a historic public park encompassing 225 acres. It was originally part of Martin Theodore Kearney's Fruit Vale Estate agricultural colony, established in 1892. The park features a diverse array of trees, vines, shrubs, and roses, making it one of the most botanically rich areas in the United States at the turn of the 20th century.

At the heart of Kearney Park stands the Kearney Mansion, a French Renaissance-style building completed in 1903. The mansion, which now serves as a museum operated by the Fresno Historical Society, showcases the life and times of M. Theo Kearney, known as the "Raisin King" for his contributions to California's agricultural development.

The park's landscape was designed by Rudolph Ulrich, a noted American landscape architect from New York. Ulrich transformed the once flat, barren landscape into a lush oasis, incorporating a variety of tree species and ornamental plants. The eleven-mile boulevard leading to the park was lined with thousands of oleanders, adding to its picturesque appeal.

Kearney Park became Fresno County's first park in 1949 when an agreement was signed with the Regents of the University of California. Today, it remains a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a blend of historical significance and recreational opportunities.