John Mise Park in San Jose | Map and Routes

General Overview John Mise Park is a popular community park located in West San Jose, California. It spans roughly 11.6 acres at 594 Park Meadow Dr (zip code 95129) and is ...

General Overview John Mise Park is a popular community park located in West San Jose, California. It spans roughly 11.6 acres at 594 Park Meadow Dr (zip code 95129) and is easily accessible from nearby I-280 and major city streets. The park is open daily from sunrise until about an hour after sunset, providing ample time for morning walks, daytime outings, and early evening strolls. Established by the City of San Jose, this park offers a blend of recreational facilities and green space, making it a local favorite for families, sports enthusiasts, and walkers alike – thanks to its convenient walking trails. Facilities and Amenities Visitors will find a wide range of facilities at John Mise Park that cater to both leisure and sports. Key amenities include: Playgrounds: Two playgrounds (with climbing structures) for children of different ages. Sports Fields: A lighted softball/baseball field and a soccer field (soccer use is by permit only). These well-maintained fields are popular for kids’ soccer games and coaching sessions. Courts: Two full-size basketball courts, one half-size basketball court, and four dedicated pickleball courts. The pickleball courts are especially popular and even draw tournament-level players at times. (Some sources also mention a tennis court, likely prior to conversion into pickleball courts.) Picnic Areas: Several picnic sites with barbecue grills, including a covered picnic area, ideal for family gatherings. There are also pleasant sitting areas under trees where you can relax or enjoy a picnic lunch. Restrooms and Water: On-site restrooms are available, though a few visitors have noted they can get messy on busy days. Water fountains are present to refill bottles (important on hot days). Parking: A free parking lot provides convenient access for visitors. On normal days parking is ample, and one reviewer noted it’s “always available”. However, during peak hours or events (like weekend sports matches or evenings), parking can become a bit tight, with street parking as an overflow option. Overall, the park’s facilities support a variety of activities beyond walking – from playing basketball and pickleball to enjoying a family picnic – contributing to its role as a well-rounded neighborhood park. Walking Trails and Terrain While John Mise Park is sports-centric, it also features walking paths that make it suitable for casual walks and jogs. The primary walking route is a loop approximately 0.3 miles long, circling the park’s fields and playgrounds. This paved trail is flat and well-maintained, offering an easy terrain that is accessible for all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re pushing a stroller or using a wheelchair, the smooth pathways ensure an inclusive walking experience. Benches are placed at intervals, allowing walkers to rest or watch a pickup game in progress. Though the park’s walking trail is relatively short, it’s perfect for doing multiple laps to reach your fitness goals – for example, roughly four laps make about a 1.2-mile walk. The path winds by grassy lawns, the playground, and sports courts, providing a pleasant backdrop of community activity and greenery. Walkers often share the space with joggers and kids on scooters, but the trail is wide enough to accommodate everyone. For those who prefer a mix of walking and other exercises, the park’s open grassy areas can be used for stretching or doing light workouts before continuing on the path. The convenient layout and gentle terrain have earned this walking route a 4.5/5 rating from the Pacer walking app community, highlighting it as a popular choice for a quick outdoor walk or run. Best Time for Walking San Jose’s mild climate means John Mise Park can be enjoyed almost year-round, but the best seasons for walking here are spring and fall. During these months, temperatures are comfortable and the park’s greenery is at its peak – expect blooming flowers in spring and pleasant crisp air in autumn. Summers are also popular for early morning or late afternoon walks; however, midday summer heat (often 85–95°F) can make walking less enjoyable, as shade is limited around the open fields. If you do visit in summer, consider bringing a hat, sunscreen, and water for hydration. Winters are generally mild, but you might encounter occasional rain or chilly winds, so dressing in layers is a good idea. In terms of daily timing, visiting the park in the early morning is ideal for a peaceful walk. One local tip suggests coming early to avoid crowds on the pickleball courts and other facilities. Morning walkers will enjoy tranquil paths with just a few joggers and dog walkers, and you may catch a lovely sunrise glow. Midday on weekdays is another off-peak period, often quiet except for perhaps a parent with toddlers on the playground. As school and work let out, the park gets busier – late afternoons and early evenings are peak hours, when sports practices, pickup games, and families converge. At these times, the atmosphere is lively, but the walking path can have more foot traffic and occasional pauses as people cross to other areas. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, stick to mornings or early afternoon. On weekends, the park sees increased use from sports leagues and group gatherings, so plan for a bit more activity and potentially tighter parking then. Overall, the most pleasant experience for walkers is typically weekday mornings or any time in spring/fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. Visitor Experience and Reviews John Mise Park enjoys positive feedback from the community, with visitors often praising its clean, safe, and family-friendly environment. The park holds an impressive 4.6 out of 5 average rating based on hundreds of online reviews, indicating a high level of satisfaction. Many visitors love the variety of activities available – one reviewer called it a “neighborhood gem” that has “basketball courts, [a] field for soccer, walking and running paths, and pickleball courts” in a safe area. For walkers, the presence of a dedicated loop path means you can enjoy a stroll while kids play or while watching a local softball game in action. Visitors especially enjoy the community vibe at this park. On a typical evening, you might see pickleball enthusiasts chatting between games, parents pushing strollers, and neighbors walking dogs. The atmosphere is generally peaceful and inviting for all ages. There are reports of people playing a wide range of sports – from soccer and basketball to badminton and impromptu volleyball – which shows how lively the park can be. This vibrant activity is a plus for many, though a few visitors looking for solitude note that it “can get crowded during peak times”. Fortunately, even when the park is busy, the walking trail remains a pleasant way to get some exercise, as long as you don’t mind the energetic surroundings. In terms of maintenance, most users find the park well-kept and the lawns nicely groomed. The city provides regular upkeep, though some reviewers have noted occasional litter or the need for better cleanliness in the bathrooms and playground area. It’s a good practice for everyone to “please keep [it] clean if you’re visiting”, as one visitor urged, to ensure the park stays enjoyable for all. The presence of park staff or rangers is limited, so visitors generally take responsibility for picking up after themselves and their pets. (Dogs are welcome on leash, and waste bag dispensers are available.) Overall, the visitor experience at John Mise Park is overwhelmingly positive, especially for those who take advantage of the walking paths in conjunction with the park’s other amenities. Whether you come to enjoy the walking trail, join a pickup basketball game, or relax under a shaded pavilion, John Mise Park offers a well-rounded outdoor experience. Its blend of recreational facilities and friendly neighborhood ambiance makes it a cherished spot for walking, exercise, and community gatherings in San Jose.