July 3, 2006

Santa Clara County voters renew funding for regional parks

By District 4 County Supervisor Jim Beall
Special to the Times

One of the best outcomes of the June 6 primary election was the passage of Measure B, the Park Charter Amendment. Voters overwhelmingly approved the continued funding of regional parks in Santa Clara County ensuring that the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department has a stable funding source until June 2021.

Today, the Santa Clara County Park system consists of 28 urban and hillside parks including the ever-popular Vasona Lake, Hellyer, Ed Levin, Rancho San Antonio, Almaden Quicksilver, Mt. Madonna, Anderson Reservoir and the newly enlarged Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch.

This 45,000-acre park system includes over 260 miles of regional trails and 10 reservoirs, offering traditional water- and land-based recreational activities such as walking, picnicking, boating, fishing, camping, bicycling and horse riding.

Under the direction of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, the Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for the management of the Park Charter. Celebrating its 50th year in service, County Parks recently completed a comprehensive Strategic Plan. The plan, developed through an extensive public outreach process, reflects the long-term community vision for County Parks.

According to Lisa Killough, director of the County’s Department of Parks & Recreation, with the passage of Measure B and in line with the Strategic Plan priorities, the following projects are expected to be well underway or completed in the next five years:

Trail Expansion – 14 miles of trails were completed by May 2005. Now the second phase of the Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch will go forward which will bring 15 miles of new trails to Santa Clara County.

Initiation of Master Plan for Martial Cottle Park – In January 2007, the Parks Department will initiate this planning for a 300-acre urban area located in San Jose and bounded by Snell Avenue, Branham Lane and Chynoweth Avenue. This new park will celebrate the rich agricultural history of Santa Clara County. The first phase of development is expected to be completed by 2011.

Historic Restoration – Restoration of the second most historic building in Santa Clara County, the Casa Grande in New Almaden (Club Almaden, or the former Opry House) will begin in 2008. This significant building is part of the historic Almaden Quicksilver County Park.

Alviso Marina – A new boat launch will be built at the Alviso Marina, which will provide the only public access to the San Francisco Bay in Santa Clara County. We expect the to be completed in approximately two years.

Purchase of Parkland – Santa Clara County Parks Department will continue to purchase parkland on an opportunity basis with a focus on connecting parks together and expanding urban trails.

Expanding Community Events – More community events such as the popular “Fantasy of Lights” annual event at Vasona are being planned.

For more information about Measure B, feel free to call Michele Sierra in the Office of Supervisor Jim Beall at (408) 299-5046, or visit the County’s Parks department Web site at www.parkhere.org.