Wallenberg Park (WP) is a copacetic nine acre park that sits along the southerly edge of San José's Willow Glen neighborhood. WP is named after the Swedish architect/businessman/diplomat/humanitarian and all-around swell guy, Raoul Wallenberg. Mr Wallenberg is credited with saving tens of thousands of Jews during WWII from Nazi-occupied Hungary. The park itself doesn't have a lot amenities -maybe a homage to a war-torn state?- but it does have some unique items.
-Huge grassy fields--in fact I'd say 70% of this park is comprised of open fields for soccer and other such recreation. The patch itself is not in too bad a shape, compared to most CSJ parks.
-Eight lighted Tennis courts
-Playground that states it's designed for 5-12 year olds, but is most fitting for 1-4 year olds; I can't imagine any kid past the age of four getting much enjoyment out of it.
-Non-reservable picnic tables with BBQ pits
-Restrooms
-No street parking on Curtner Ave, and no parking lot either. Unless you live close by, you'll have to park at one of the adjoining streets (i.e., Cottle Ave or Cherry Ave) and hoof it over. Mayhaps another War homage, in order to make you feel like a refugee???
-Beautiful Community Garden on the easterly side of the park. Please visit this website for more info: http://sanjoseca.gov/facilities/Facility/Details/349
-A few years back there were plans to put in a Dog Park, but I guess the funding must've not gone through.
WP is an OK park, if you live close-by, but there's really no reason to go out of your way here. I'd give it an overall grade of 2.5-stars, but I'll round it up because there's a semi-clean restroom and those are always at a premium. read more