Heinlenville Park is now open

San Jose's newest public park is right here in Japantown. Heinlenville Park held its ribboncutting on Tuesday, October 10 with a ceremony that included Mayor Matt Mahan, City Councilman Omar Torres, historian Connie Young Yu, and our own Warren Hayashi as a founding member of Japantown Community Congress. The ceremony paid tribute to the site's history with lion dancers, traditional drums, and a Shinto ceremony. The park includes a 19' sculpture titled "Sheltered Wing" by artist Roger Stoller which is embedded with imagery portraying important Japanese and Chinese cultural symbols. There is also a History Path recounting the story of the Heinlenville Chinatown. Stonework by Ken Matsumoto and special landscaping are included. The park honors the memory of German immigrant John Heinlen and the community that bore his name. When an earlier Chinatown was burned in the 1870's, Heinlen opened up his property between 6th and 7th, Taylor to Jackson Streets to Chinese immigrants for their stores, restaurants, and residences. Japantown and Pinoytown soon were founded next to Heinlenville. The park includes a children's play area, benches, tables, and lots of open space for public performances and festivals. Be sure to stop by and check it out.