Willow Street Frank Bramhall Park covers 18 acres at 1320 Willow Street in San Jose, with plenty to do beyond a simple walk. Families can use two playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, sports fields, picnic areas, and BBQ facilities, while visitors looking for something different can try lawn bowling or attend a summer Shakespeare performance at the park’s amphitheatre.
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Quick Picks: Bramhall Park at a Glance
Best for | What to do |
Kids | Two age-specific playgrounds |
Sports | Tennis, basketball, softball, and permitted soccer |
Families | Picnic areas and BBQ facilities |
Something different | Lawn bowling |
Summer activity | Shakespeare in the Park |
Dog owners | Walk with dogs under park rules |
Outdoor gatherings | Picnic areas and amphitheatre |
Playgrounds
Bramhall Park has two youth playground areas designed for different age groups. One serves children ages 2–5, while the other is designed for children ages 5–12.
The separate age ranges give families an easy way to choose a play area suited to their children. Parents can also combine playground time with a picnic, a walk around the grounds, or a visit to nearby Willow Glen businesses.
The playgrounds make Bramhall Park a practical stop for families looking for outdoor activities close to the neighborhood’s shops and restaurants.
Tennis
Bramhall Park has six unlighted tennis courts. The City lists tennis among the park’s public sports facilities, making the courts a useful option for daytime recreational play.
Because the courts are unlighted, daytime visits are the better choice for anyone planning a tennis session. Weekend visitors may want to arrive earlier when court demand tends to be higher.
Tennis can also fit easily into a longer Willow Glen outing. A morning game followed by coffee or lunch near Lincoln Avenue creates a simple way to combine recreation with time around the neighborhood.
Basketball
Two basketball courts are available at Bramhall Park.
The courts give teens, adults, and families another outdoor activity without needing to plan a full sports session. Visitors can use the space for casual shooting or recreational games, subject to availability and park rules.
For families with children of different ages, basketball can also pair well with the nearby youth playgrounds.
Softball and Soccer
Bramhall Park features two unlighted softball fields. Soccer use is also available, but the City requires a permit for soccer activities.
The softball fields are associated with local youth sports, including Willow Glen Little League. Scheduled games and practices can affect field availability, so visitors planning recreational field use should check current schedules before arriving.
For organized soccer, visitors should contact the City of San José Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services department about current permit requirements.
Picnics and BBQ
Bramhall Park has reservable and non-reservable picnic areas, along with BBQ facilities. The City currently lists several picnic sites within the park, including Bramhall, Britton, Willow, and the amphitheatre area.
The Bramhall picnic site includes eight tables and one large BBQ, while the amphitheatre picnic site has four tables and one medium BBQ.
Non-reservable picnic areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservable areas have specific fees, capacities, and reservation rules through the City.
For a larger family gathering, checking the current reservation availability before visiting can make planning easier. Visitors arranging special events may also need additional permits for activities such as amplified sound, ticket sales, food sales, or special setups.
Lawn Bowling
One of Bramhall Park’s less familiar activities is lawn bowling. The San Jose Lawn Bowls Club operates inside Willow Street Frank Bramhall Park at 1173 Camino Ramon.
The club offers free introductory lawn bowl lessons, giving first-time visitors an opportunity to learn the sport before joining. Regular club activities include games, tournaments, and social bowling.
The club currently lists draw games on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with games beginning at 9:30 a.m. after a 9:15 a.m. setup. Visiting bowlers from other clubs can also join certain draw games at no cost. For anyone searching for something different to do in Willow Glen, lawn bowling offers a local activity with a strong community connection.
The Open-Air Amphitheatre
Bramhall Park also has an amphitheatre that hosts outdoor performances. Silicon Valley Shakespeare uses the park for its free Shakespeare in the Park productions during the summer season.
The 2026 production, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, ran at Willow Street Frank Bramhall Park from June 12 through June 28, with performances Friday through Sunday at 7 p.m.
Schedules can change from one season to another, so visitors interested in outdoor theatre should check the performance calendar before planning a visit. Summer theatre also fits into a wider calendar of local festivals and seasonal celebrations. For a summer evening, bringing a picnic dinner and watching a free performance offers a different way to experience the park.
Dogs at Bramhall Park
Bramhall Park has dog-friendly areas, with the City currently marking the Bramhall picnic site as dog friendly.
Dog owners should follow current San José park rules, including applicable leash requirements. The park’s location near Willow Street also makes it convenient for combining outdoor time with a walk around the surrounding neighborhood.
Getting There and Parking
Bramhall Park is located at 1320 Willow St., San Jose, CA 95125. The City lists a parking lot as one of the park’s amenities.
For Shakespeare in the Park, Silicon Valley Shakespeare advises visitors that street parking is free, while also noting that the park can become busy when other activities are scheduled.
The park’s location also makes it easy to combine outdoor recreation with a visit to the neighborhood business district, where independent stores along Lincoln Avenue sit within a short drive.
Park Facilities at a Glance
| Facility | Details |
Size | 18 acres |
Playgrounds | 2, for ages 2–5 and 5–12 |
Tennis courts | 6 unlighted |
Basketball courts | 2 |
Softball fields | 2 unlighted |
Soccer field | Available by permit |
Picnic areas | Reservable and non-reservable |
BBQ facilities | Available |
Lawn bowling | San Jose Lawn Bowls Club |
Lawn bowling lessons | Free introductory lessons |
Amphitheatre | Outdoor performances, including Shakespeare in the Park |
Restrooms | Yes |
Parking | Parking lot available |
Dogs | Dog-friendly areas |
Admission | Free |
General park hours | Sunrise to one hour after sunset |
Bramhall Park sits at 1320 Willow Street, close to Lincoln Avenue in Willow Glen. The park information can help visitors check the location and available facilities before their visit. The City of San José confirms the park’s 18-acre size, sports facilities, playgrounds, restrooms, parking, picnic areas, and general hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What facilities does Bramhall Park have?
Bramhall Park has two playgrounds, six unlighted tennis courts, two basketball courts, two unlighted softball fields, permitted soccer use, picnic areas, BBQ facilities, restrooms, and parking. The park also includes the San Jose Lawn Bowls Club and an amphitheatre.
Is Bramhall Park free to visit?
Yes. General park access is free. Reservable picnic areas have fees, and organized activities such as soccer may require permits.
Is Bramhall Park good for kids?
Yes. The park has two playgrounds designed for different age groups: ages 2–5 and ages 5–12. Families can also use the picnic areas and enjoy nearby outdoor recreation.
Does Bramhall Park have tennis courts?
Yes. Bramhall Park has six unlighted tennis courts.
What time does Bramhall Park open?
General park hours begin at sunrise and continue until one hour after sunset.
Are there BBQ facilities at Bramhall Park?
Yes. Bramhall Park has BBQ facilities at its picnic sites. The current City listings include a large BBQ at the Bramhall picnic site and a medium BBQ at the amphitheatre picnic site.
Does Bramhall Park have lawn bowling?
Yes. San Jose Lawn Bowls Club operates inside Willow Street Frank Bramhall Park and offers free introductory lessons for people interested in learning lawn bowls.
Does Bramhall Park host Shakespeare performances?
Yes. Silicon Valley Shakespeare stages free Shakespeare in the Park productions at Willow Street Frank Bramhall Park during summer seasons. Current schedules should be checked with the event organizer.
Can I bring my dog to Bramhall Park?
Dog-friendly areas are available at the park. Visitors should follow current City of San José park and leash rules.
Discover More to Do Around Willow Glen
Bramhall Park offers more than a playground or a place to play sports. Families can spend time outdoors, visitors can try lawn bowling, and summer evenings can include free theatre at the park’s amphitheatre.After exploring Bramhall Park, continue through the neighborhood’s parks, local businesses, and hidden gems. Explore Downtown Willow Glen for more local places to eat, shop, visit, and experience.
