History San José Opens Exhibition
A new exhibition saluting the city parks, Explore San José Parks. San José has a long history of providing open space to the public.  When California gained statehood in 1850, San José began planning for and setting aside several public squares including St. James, Washington, and Market Plaza. Today, San José boasts more 175 parks with 3,770 acres of land.
"Designating land for public use was unusual for a city of San José's size in 1850. This exhibit will examine the different types and uses of parks for the last 160 years," said Melissa Johnson, Curator of Interactive Media and the Curator of Explore San José Parks.
The exhibit will begin with History San José's home, Kelley Park.  Formerly Judge Lawrence Archer's park-like estate, the 156-acre Kelley Park, is now home to History Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden, and Happy Hollow Park & Zoo. Then the exhibit will feature neighborhood playgrounds and soccer fields, historic parks, recreation trails, gardens, and agricultural parks.
With more than 175 parks in the City of San José, they will not all be able to be included in the exhibit, added Johnson.  "We are asking for people to submit photos of their favorite park, and why it is their favorite."
To ensure as many parks as possible are included into the exhibition, please send a digital image (at least 300 dpi), with a brief description via email to: mjohnson@historysanjose.org
Submissions will be featured in Explore San José Parks - Open to the Public Since 1850.