San Jose Parks Foundation

Thank You For A Great Year!!

Some Examples of Your Success

You have made a big difference in a short time and the entire community is indebted to you for making San Jose Parks Foundation's work possible.

At this time of year, we often look back and reflect on what we've done and where we've been. In the case of San Jose Parks Foundation, there has been a lot of movement.

Despite a poor economy, and very limited resources, we have begun to move toward creating a community-wide membership-based force for keeping our parks, trails and recreation programs and services. Below are some highlights of San Jose Parks Foundation's success over the last 18 months:

Saving Lake Cunningham Skate Park 

San Jose Parks Foundation joined Paul Murphy, Carol Kruger, Greg Fox, and other parents and concerned citizens to prevent  the closing of California's largest Skate Park. Donations are still accepted online 24/7 to anyone wanting to help preserve this treasure for our kids.

Supporting San Jose Parks Volunteers

The Parks Volunteers, led by indefatigable Mollie Tobias, are essential to preserving our parks and trails. Volunteer groups come from companies such as Google, eBay, VMware, Cisco, Yahoo, Deloitte, along with community groups like the Stanford Black Student Union, Alum Rock Boy Scouts, Evergreen Girl Scouts, West Valley Students, Mormon Helping Hands, and many others. We have provided essential support, including creating a database (over 1,000 and counting) of volunteers.

Creating a Partnership with PG&E and MFPA 

We were very happy to play a role in helping to preserve the beauty of Martin and Fontana Parks, working with the community group that took on the task, Martin-Fontana Parks Association, and teaming up with PG&E to replant and reconfigure the landscape of these unique parks.

Providing Funding & Fiscal Agency for Many

San Jose Parks Foundation acts as a Fiscal Agent for several local groups and projects, working to raise funds and making certain that all donations are tax-deductible. Additionally, we have provided modest funding in support of several program that benefit our Parks and Trails

Saving Summer Swim Programs 

San Jose Parks Foundation had barely begun operations when we were called upon to assist with saving Almaden Lake and Biebrach Summer Swim Programs. Working with Councilmembers Nancy Pyle and Sam Liccardo, we were able to raise money quickly and save the programs.

Saving San Jose Family Camp

San Jose Parks Foundation has worked in concert with Friends of San Jose Family Camp, City staff (PRNS), and the City Council to create a plan for self-sustainable growth over the next decade and beyond.

Dog Waste Bags 

Yes, despite the seemingly innocuous activity of our canine companions, this is a public safety issue and one that impacts parks and trails. We are going to purchase Dog Waste Bags and distribute them to citizens and community groups who will keep their parks stocked. We will also raise funds to support maintaining this public service.  Click here to go directly to the Dog Waste Bag Program page.





San Jose Parks Foundation Receives  Park Development Grant from PG&E

PG&E has provided a grant of $5,500 to San Jose Parks Foundation to support the foundation's Community Park Development Program.

This program is one in which citizens are involved in a variety of activities that help develop San Jose City Parks, including planting, general caretaking, and beautification in partnership with the City of San Jose .

San Jose Parks Foundation has an ongoing Community Park Development Project with the Martin-Fontana Parks Association and PG&E. This grant will include an allocation to Martin-Fontana Parks Association.

Stay in Touch with San Jose Parks Foundation

Subscribe to SJPF Updates & eNews. 

Follow us on Twitter

The following editorial, written by Executive Director James Reber,  appeared in the San Jose Mercury News on Wednesday, July 13, 2011]

Save Our Parks Now!

There are three things the people of San Jose need to know about their parks system in order to save it.

First of all, let me describe what I mean by our "parks system." This includes nearly 3,000 acres of parkland, more than 54 miles of trails, 55 community centers, and all of the programs and services contained therein. For most of us, though, it is a rather personal and comfortable relationship with one of the 200-plus neighborhood parks.

The three things that you need to know:

1. The budget cuts over the past few years were severe, especially for the department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, which has lost 37 percent of its workforce and 22 percent of its operating budget.
2. The effect of these cuts is not yet fully visible, but it will be very visible soon. With fewer people and less money, the loss of some maintenance and programs could leave many neighborhoods vulnerable.
3. You can do something to prevent the loss of these community treasures.

San Jose Parks Foundation is a private nonprofit whose mission is to support these public parks. Our funding comes from people like you, who care about the parks, trails, community centers and the programs and services they provide.

[To Read the complete editorial, click here]