The property on which Kelley park is built comprises 156 acres and is situated near the northern end of San José's Coyote River Park Chain. It once belonged to Mrs. Louise Kelley who inherited the land from her father, Judge Lawrence Archer, former Mayor of San José. The Judge maintained a beautiful 600-acre estate which was covered by prune, apricot, cherry and walnut orchards, as well as some exotic trees. Mrs. Kelley referred to the estate as AR-KEL VILLA in honor of her father and her husband, Frank J. Kelley.

Kelley Park is one of San José's most diverse facilities, offering visitors an opportunity to enjoy a picnic or barbecue amid beautiful lawn areas and shade trees; a visit to the Happy Hollow Park & Zoo to see the many animals or take in a puppet show; a walk through the tranquil Japanese Friendship Garden with beautiful koi-filled ponds; and step back in time to turn-of-the-century San José at the History Park Museum.