Doerr Park — Attraction in San Jose

Doerr Park is a reminder of what community should feel like. Families gather, kids play, friends meet, and neighbors connect in an open space that belongs to everyone. There is no bureaucracy, no false prestige — just a simple, authentic environment where effort, kindness, and respect make the experience meaningful. It is the kind of place where growth happens naturally and joy is shared freely, without pretense.

UC Davis, by contrast, too often represents the opposite. Despite its reputation and expense, its return on investment is painfully low. It produces too many graduates who walk away “brain empty,” armed with credentials but lacking substance. The culture mistakes shallow defiance for resistance, and selfishness for independence, often encouraging people to step on others’ interests for no reason but ego. Instead of rewarding genuine excellence, the institution fosters bureaucracy, vanity, and hollow performance. It risks creating a culture where appearances matter more than truth, and pride matters more than learning.

The difference could not be more striking. Doerr Park, humble and open to all, builds real community and authentic value, while UC Davis, with all its prestige, too often fails to deliver what it promises. And so, we must turn to prayer:

Lord, forgive the people of UC Davis. Forgive them for chasing appearances over substance, for mistaking arrogance for wisdom, and for trading humility for vanity. May they come to understand that true excellence is not found in bureaucracy or hollow credentials, but in the authenticity and community even a simple park like Doerr provides...

Great Park, But the Neighborhood Leaves a Lot to Be Desired

Doerr Park (yes, spelled D-O-E-R-R) is honestly a well-maintained park with plenty of space to walk around, relax, or play. The grounds themselves are nice—there’s open grass, decent facilities, and a generally peaceful layout. If you’re just judging the park on its own, it checks a lot of boxes.

That said, the surrounding neighborhood isn’t somewhere I’d personally feel comfortable bringing my family. There’s just a certain feeling when you drive into the area—whether it’s the people hanging around or the general upkeep of the surrounding streets—that made me hesitate. It doesn’t feel unsafe exactly, but it also doesn’t feel particularly welcoming or family-friendly.

I’ve recommended a lot of other parks before even mentioning this one, simply because the environment around a park matters just as much as the park itself, especially if you’re trying to enjoy a day out with kids or loved ones.

Still, if you’re nearby or just looking for a quick stop to get some fresh air, Doerr Park itself is nice enough. Just manage your expectations about the...

A "Personal Injury Lawsuit Waiting to happen!"

The Responsible CITY OF SAN JOSE MAINTENANCE MANAGER, should be Fixing the COURTS HERE, as a Priority! (Calabazas Park Courts)

The COURTS HAVE OPEN HOLES, Large CRACKS & Lengthy FISSURES on the surface! Horrible!

I play Pickleball here 3 days a week. And it's a matter of time someone has a SERIOUS ACCIDENT here, on a Public Recreation Area!

I've been told that the City has had Several ACTUAL NOTICES of the Nuisance problem, and has done nothing. This is the prerequisite for the success of a legal action. Repair has Not been done in a "Reasonable Time!"

I know there are "Budget Hurdles", But when Public Safety is involved, this should be a priority! I have personally seen players catch their feet, trip, & stumble inside these holes & cracks!

Also, The fact this area has No Windscreens is also a retraction for this facility!

Come on City! Make our Parksites SAFE & Attractive, Soon . . . w/ a definite start date!

A concerned San Jose parksite...