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Santa Clara County Parks & Recreation Articles



Gilroy Dispatch logo LOCAL NEWS
Gilroy City Council passes ban on public camping

The Gilroy City Council approved an ordinance on June 5 that would prohibit camping near schools, in Uvas Creek and other public right-of-ways. However, some members of the public who spoke during the meeting said such a decision could put …

Gilroy Dispatch logo LOCAL NEWS
Guest View, Zach Hilton: Biking for a vibrant city

Whose town has the true Pedal Power? Meaning, the most people with wind in their hair, and with wheels turning. With young people and adults rolling in the open air. Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition invited cities across San Mateo and …

San Jose Inside logo LOCAL NEWS
Is San Jose Ready to Join the ‘Golden Age’ of Urban Parks?

Spinning off parks from underfunded government departments to entities that work closely with them has created “a golden age” for urban parks.

Gilroy Dispatch logo LOCAL NEWS
Conservationists purchase 1,986-acre ranch in Morgan Hill

A regional land preservation organization recently purchased a 1,986-acre ranch in west Morgan Hill, pledging to permanently protect the property that includes sweeping views and critical wildlife crossings, as well as homes for native and endangered species.  The Peninsula Open …

Gilroy Dispatch logo LOCAL NEWS
Gilroy Gardens opens March 25 with new event

The 2023 season at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park will get off to a colorful start in March with a new event: the Fantastical Flowers Spring Celebration. This two-month event will feature brightly colored blossoms, larger-than-life silk sculptures, and floral-themed …

Morgan Hill Times logo LOCAL NEWS
Residents can cash in on free state park admission

A swipe of a library card is enough for Californians to venture into the great outdoors for free. On Jan. 31, California State Parks representatives encouraged Californians to take advantage of multiple ways to visit state parks for free, including …

Gilroy Dispatch logo LOCAL NEWS
Gilroy gets $4.5M for park, trail work

Gilroy will receive $4.5 million for two recreational projects after President Joe Biden signed a $1.7 trillion federal government spending package Dec. 29. A total of $3 million will go toward renovations at San Ysidro Park, while $1.5 million will …

Gilroy Dispatch logo LOCAL NEWS
City begins negotiations on Hecker Pass adventure park

The Gilroy City Council unanimously agreed to enter into an exclusive negotiating agreement with Select Contracts on Sept. 13 to discuss financials and other aspects of a proposed bike and adventure park on the hillside near Gilroy Gardens. The proposal …

Image caption: The newly opened Presidio Tunnel Tops provides free entertainment in pricy San Francisco.
Cheaper Thrills

California has some top-notch tourist attractions—with top-shelf prices. Here are some that won’t break the bank.

Los Gatan logo LOCAL NEWS
Big Basin Welcoming Public Back Starting Friday

After nearly two years out of commission, Big Basin Redwoods State Park—the oldest State Park in California—is about to open to the public, once again. It was closed after being ravaged by the CZU Lightning Complex fire, (97% destroyed), but …

Gilroy Dispatch logo LOCAL NEWS
Gilroy Gardens drops management company

Gilroy Gardens’ nonprofit organization is now fully managing the theme park for the first time in nearly 20 years. The management contract between Gilroy Gardens and Ohio-based Cedar Fair Entertainment Company expired at the end of 2021, park officials confirmed. …

Image caption: A red-tailed hawk on a light pole overlooking downtown Santa Cruz.
Citizen Science

Sometimes making the community better manifests as a better understanding of how nature works. Local birders lead the way.

Gilroy Dispatch logo LOCAL NEWS
Gilroy Gardens Opens up to Cyclists for Second Year

To celebrate National Bike Month, Gilroy Gardens is opening its park to bicyclists during a free event on May 20 from 4-7pm. Ride the Gardens made its debut in 2021, and its 300-attendee cap was quickly reached.

Los Gatan logo LOCAL NEWS
Nature Center Reopening at Vasona Lake

The Youth Science Institute Nature Center is set for a grand reopening on May 28 from 11am to 1pm. The public is invited to explore the new nature dioramas depicting the wildlife community living along Los Gatos Creek as it …

Morgan Hill Times logo LOCAL NEWS
OT Park brings unique therapy to Morgan Hill

Pediatric Occupational Therapist Dr. Hiral Khatri has a passion for helping children of all ages and abilities thrive and become independent in their daily school, social and home lives. This passion, along with her extensive education and experience, led her …

Los Gatan logo LOCAL NEWS
Purchase adds more acreage to open space preserve

The largest preserve in the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District just got a little bigger, with the purchase of 42 acres in the Mount Umunhum area of the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, district officials said Feb. 9. The property, …

San Jose Inside logo LOCAL NEWS
East San Jose Pocket Park Among Projects on ‘Clean California’ List

Governor announced $311.7 million in grants to beautify and revitalize public spaces across the state.

The post East San Jose Pocket Park Among Projects on ‘Clean California' List appeared first on San Jose Inside.

Gilroy Dispatch logo LOCAL NEWS
Pickleball finds temporary home at Sunrise Park

Following a spat between Gilroy’s tennis and pickleball players, city officials allowed the paddle sport athletes to temporarily convert the tennis courts at Sunrise Park for their use. Pickleball players, including Bruce Serpa of Gilroy, recently painted lines on the …

Image caption: There are more than 300 community service districts in California.
Community Services Districts, Explained

Community service districts can do most anything a city government can do. Here’s how they work and how to start one.

Image caption: The ski resort once called 'Squaw Valley' has changed its name, which resort owners acknowledged was racist and sexist.
Ski Resort Changes ‘Derogatory, Offensive’ Name

The name change of one of California’s most historic ski resorts is part of a statewide and national trend to reexamine offensive place names.