Spartan Keys neighborhood to receive Brickyard Park featuring new amenities and historical themes

The San Jose City Council meeting on May 13, 2025, highlighted the exciting development of a new park in the Spartan Keys neighborhood, officially named Brickyard Park. This initiative aims to enhance community spaces and provide residents with a welcoming environment for recreation and social gatherings.

During the meeting, Willa Mui, an associate landscape designer, presented the park master plan, detailing its location at the northeast corner of South Third Street and Key Street. The site is strategically positioned for accessibility, being close to public transportation and nearby residential areas. However, the design team acknowledged challenges such as noise from busy streets and a lack of natural features, emphasizing that landscaping will play a crucial role in creating a comfortable park atmosphere.

Community engagement was a key focus in the planning process. The parks department reached out to over 13,000 residents through various methods, including surveys in multiple languages and flyers distributed at local libraries. This outreach ensured that the park's design reflects the needs and desires of the community.

Brickyard Park will feature a blend of active and passive amenities, including walking paths with fitness stations, sports courts, community gathering spaces, drought-tolerant landscaping, nature-themed playgrounds, and the preservation of a historic brick building from the site’s past. The park is designed to be inclusive, catering to all ages and abilities while prioritizing safety and noise management.

The project received significant support, including a $4.5 million grant from the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership, and is anticipated to open in February 2027. The council's decision to name the park Brickyard Park pays homage to the historical brickyard facility that once operated on the site for over 95 years, celebrating the area's rich heritage.

As the city moves forward with this project, Brickyard Park promises to become a vital asset for the Spartan Keys community, fostering connections and promoting outdoor activities for years to come.