The preserve is bordered by Uvas Creek Levee on the north, and by Christmas Hill Park on the south.

A paved trail runs for approximately 2 miles along the boundary of the preserve, and can be used for jogging, hiking or bicycling.

In the 1980s, the family of Dennis DeBell, a former councilman and developer, bequeathed $1 million to the city to help further the project along.

In 1995, significant efforts were made to restore the Uvas Creek in the preserve back to its natural state.

In 2003, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution honoring Dennis DeBell by renaming the City of Gilroy's Uvas Creek Park Preserve to the Dennis DeBell Uvas Creek Park Preserve.