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Parks

Northside has two fine parks, Backesto Park, which dates to 1923, and Watson Park, which was created in the 1960's.

Backesto Park

Backesto Park, situated at the center of the Northside neighborhood, is more than 75 years old. The park derives its name from John Pierre Backesto, a nineteenth century physician. In 1890, his widow, Anne Backesto, donated $30,000 to the City of San Jose in his memory. In 1920, the City finally got around to making use of the money to purchase the two block tract surrounded by 13th, 15th, Empire and Jackson Streets. In 1922, Backesto Park officially opened.

In 1981, NNA secured federal block grant funding for sprucing up Backesto Park. The Spring 1981 Northside newsletter reported: "Backesto Park (in the very heart of the Northside) has undergone a major rehabilitation with a new community center, bocce canopy, playground, new irrigation system, landscaping, handball courts, [and] also slated for short time later are lights for night tennis. The Northside Neighborhood Association lobbied hard for [federal funds] which made it all possible. . . . Incidentally - the large barbecue pit (cooks 100 steaks) was built and donated by NNA in 1971."

Backesto Park elegantly shaded by mature Sycamores along the circumference of its three-square blocks, is home to a variety of diversions, including a modern children's playground, handball, basketball, baseball and soccer. NNA annually sponsors a free tennis camp for neighborhood children at the tennis courts along Jackson Street. The Backesto Park community center is the voting site for Northside residents.

The jewel of park is its fountain visible from North 13th Street, no longer used, but decorated with ceramic tiles by the famed tile makers, Solon & Schemmel. The fountain dates to 1922 and is the oldest Solon &Schemmel structure in existence.

Watson Park

Watson Park

Watson Park, bordering Coyote Creek east of 21st Street between Jackson and Empire Streets, was created from undeveloped land in 1966. In June of the following year, NNA volunteers "foliated" the park by planting hundreds of trees in a dozen varieties. According to a June 14, 1967 article in the North San Jose Sun, "The park heretofore had turf, but not too much else."

On January 26, 1997, Watson Park sustained heavy flooding, and Watson Community Center was temporarily rendered uninhabitable. All of the files, photos, records, newsletters and other archives at the center were lost in the flood. Northsider residents responded to the flooding by "offer[ing] supplies, equipment, monetary resources, their time, and much more," according to Carolyn Johnson of the City's Parks and Recreation Department in the Spring 1997 issue of the Northside newsletter.

In 1999, Watson Park obtained a new playground with additional swings and an exercise area. NNA, and especially former NNA board member Tammy Wheeler, were instrumental in obtaining the new playground, along with assistance from the Empire Gardens PTA, the San Jose Unified School District, the City of San Jose, and the office of former councilmember David Pandori.

Watson Park Community Center is located at 550 N. 22nd St. Telephone Brian Clampitt at (408)280-7355 for information about programs at Watson Park.

Parks Committee

Ed Berger
Ron DeVries
Chuck Hagenmaier

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