Bill's Backyard

The Authority contributed funds towards the Santa Clara County Public Health Department's Park and Play Initiative, which aims to address health equity related to park utilization by underserved communities. The goal of this Initiative is for families to visit Santa Clara County Parks, participate in park programming, and become comfortable utilizing parks on an ongoing basis to increase their physical activity and overall understanding of environmental stewardship. Park utilization has many known benefits including diabetes management and prevention, depression and anxiety reduction, and increasing community cohesion. Many of the families in the geographic focus area for this initiative (Milpitas and East San Jose) have had limited opportunities to visit parks and limited exposure to environmental education.

Saved By Nature engages people of all backgrounds and abilities through 3 types of nature education programs: a series of 19 nature walks, virtual and attended, for the general public, a month of in-person summer programs in collaboration with partners for the Boys & Girls Club of Silicon Valley for children 3rd – 5th grades, and an immersive 2 days of outings followed by an overnight camping experience for teens. We will mentor and elevate other organizations through this program.

The Open Space Authority allocated $55,000 to the City of Santa Clara for the first phase of the San Tomas Aquino/Saratoga Creek Trail. This segment is located near Great America Parkway and Tasman Drive, providing a place for outdoor exercise and recreation to many who live and work in the area. When completed, the trail will cover 12 miles and provide an alternate transportation route for residents and workers.