Overfelt Gardens Park

Overfelt Gardens is a 33-acre park located in the Alum Rock district of East San Jose, California. The land for the park was donated by Mildred Overfelt in 1959 in memory of her parents, William and Mary Overfelt, who were early San Jose pioneers. The park officially opened to the public in 1966.

The park is designed for passive use, featuring winding pathways that meander around three interconnected percolation ponds. These ponds rise and shrink throughout the year, providing habitat for various birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and fish. The park's landscape is diverse, including gardens, wooded areas, and open spaces, which contribute to its tranquil atmosphere.

A notable feature of Overfelt Gardens is the Chinese Cultural Garden, a 6-acre section added to the park in 1971. This area includes several points of interest such as the Friendship Gate, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, Chiang Kai-shek Pavilion, and a large statue of Confucius. A 15-ton black marble stone, mined and shipped from Taiwan, stands as a gift from San Jose's sister city, Tainan.

The park also includes a California Native Plant and Wildlife Sanctuary, where visitors can observe local flora and fauna. A fragrance garden, comprising many aromatic plants, adds to the sensory experience of the park. The historic Overfelt House, once part of the family's dairy farm, still stands on the grounds, offering a glimpse into the area's agricultural past.

Overfelt Gardens is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8 am to half an hour after sunset. The park is closed on Mondays. While it offers a peaceful retreat for visitors, it's important to note that certain activities such as barbecues, sports, and alcohol consumption are not permitted within the park grounds.