General Information

• Park Hours: 8:30 a.m. to sunset
• Office Hours: 
  • Sunday - Tuesday: CLOSED
  • Wednesday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | CLOSED for lunch: 12 - 1 p.m. 
• Acreage: 43.5
• Council District: 5

Park Update

The Small Animal Area is temporarily closed for renovations. We look forward to welcoming visitors back soon to enjoy our resident animals.

Activities

The park offers a variety of educational programs for school children and other groups, and hosts a Summer Camp during the months of May to August. Summer Camp kids get to spend each day caring for the farm animals and growing vegetables in their own garden. The “Hatchery” is our San José Recreation Preschool class for children ages 3-5, where they learn motor skills and how to socialize in a farm environment.

Saturday classes introduce children to cooking, gardening, animal care, and other fun activities. School groups up to the third grade can schedule time with a docent to see the animals up close and learn about the rich history of the Valley Of Heart’s Delight.

For a free brochure on the educational programs offered at Prusch Park, call us at (408) 794-6262.

Picnic Areas

This location both reservable and non-reservable picnic areas. Non-reservable picnic areas are occupied at a first-come, first-serve basis.

Reservation permit holders must arrive at the reservation site on the date reserved prior to 10:00 a.m. and remain at the site with a copy of the approved picnic application. The site will be opened to the public for general use at 10:00 a.m. if the reservation holder is not present. An adult representative from the group must be present at all times.

Visit the picnic areas' individual pages to view its amenities and fees:

• Apple Orchard
• Citrus Grove
• Redwood Grove
• Rooster Row
• Rose Garden

PICNIC RESERVATIONS >

Amenities

• Sports/Activities:
  • Barn
  • Planting
  • Science Center
• Youth Playground:
  • Two playgrounds ages 2-5
  • All-inclusive farm-themed playground 
• Restrooms: Yes
• Parking: Parking lot

Rules and Regulations

• Litter is a major problem in the park. A tremendous amount of time is spent cleaning up after park visitors. This time could be better spent helping improve your park. Take a few moments cleaning up your area.
• Photo permits are required for all commercial photo shoots. This includes professional wedding photographers.
• General Rules:
  1. Drums or loud radios are prohibited. No amplified sound or musical groups of any type are allowed.
  2. Balloons are prohibited at the park.
  3. Alcohol of any kind is not allowed in the park, including beer and wine.
  4. Special activities or large equipment must be approved by Ranger or Picnic Reservation Staff in advance.
  5. Air jumpers/jump house/bounce houses/ inflatable houses are allowed in designated area with a permit.
  6. Party/Costume characters are not allowed to collect money on City property.
  7. Smoking is not allowed in City of San José Parks.
  8. All San José Municipal Codes and State laws apply.

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History

Emma Prusch cherished her dairy farm, which originally was an 86 acre site. In her generosity she deeded the property to the City of San José in 1962 to be enjoyed as agricultural based park in the center of a busy city. Miss Prusch specifically requested that the land keep its country feeling, preserving the quality of the Santa Clara Valley that she remembered when trees and animals were more prominent than houses, freeways, and shopping centers.

Of the original gift, eleven acres became home of the Police Activities League (P.A.L.) for youth sports, and 47 acres were dedicated in 1982 as Emma Prusch Farm Park.

The park is home to San José's largest barn where we partner on 4H programs. The park also features robust community gardens, a rare fruit orchard, and acres of open grass perfect for picnicking, kite flying, games, and relaxing.Related Resources

• Emma Prusch Regional Park Brochure
• Emma Prusch Map
• Emma Prusch Rules & Regulations
• Emma Prusch Picnic Area Fees