Accelerating Accessibility to Nature

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Coyote Valley

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On May 1, passionate volunteers, land stewards and elected officials gathered for a ceremonial groundbreaking of the Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve Expanded Public Access Project. 

Over the past six years, the Open Space Authority’s Planning, Design and Construction team has developed and finalized plans for a project to improve the accessibility of the Heart’s Delight Trail and install new shade structures, seating, a gathering space and interpretive signage. 

An aerial view of the project shows a staging area, community circle, picnic area and two overlooks.

An aerial view of the Heart's Delight Trail indicates the enhancements being made to the Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, including an improved staging area, a Community Circle, a picnic area and two overlooks.

These improvements will allow visitors of all mobility levels to fully immerse themselves in nature, learn about the significance of the Coyote Valley landscape and participate in outdoor educational programs. This groundbreaking ceremony also marks the Open Space Authority’s first step toward the holistic restoration of the Coyote Valley landscape and improvements made to the visitor experience.

From breaking ground to building connections with each other and nature, dive into the photos below to relive this exciting moment in Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve’s history.

Making Nature Accessible to All
Director Kathy Sutherland stands at a podium with a microphone in hand addressing an audience with a golden hill in the background.

Kathy Sutherland (D4), Chair of the Open Space Authority’s Board of Directors, kicks off the groundbreaking ceremony with enthusiasm and appreciation for making nature accessible to all.

Funding Projects for Preservation
Congressman Jimmy Panetta stands at a podium with a microphone in hand with open space and trees in the background.

Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) gives a heartwarming speech about the 19th Congressional District’s natural beauty and the importance of preserving and restoring open space.

It feels so good to be out here standing with you in the Coyote Valley knowing that we have an opportunity now to ensure that everybody has access to this beauty that surrounds us today.

Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19)
Building Community Connections to Nature
Valley Water Director John L. Varela stands at a podium with a microphone in hand and a golden hill in the background.

John L. Varela, the District 1 representative for Valley Water’s Board, emphasizes how upgrades to nature trails and facilities have the potential to bring communities together and instill a feeling of responsibility for stewarding these landscapes.

Protecting Nature Together
Senator Dave Cortese stands at a podium with a microphone in hand and a golden hill in the background.

Senator Dave Cortese (SD-15) thanks the funders, supporters, planners and designers for their collective work to protect Coyote Valley and make this project possible.

Defending Land from Development
Congressman Sam Liccardo stands at a podium with a microphone in hand with trees and a golden hill in the background.

Congressman, and former Mayor of San José, Sam Liccardo (CA-16) reflects on past threats of development in Coyote Valley and the community’s collective power to effectively oppose the threats and protect this critical landscape.

There have been a lot of plans to build here...but the community won. We found our strength together.

Congressman Sam Liccardo (CA-16)
Showcasing Interpretive Signage
A group of people gather in a circle on a nature trail to look at a mock up of the future interpretive signage that will be on display in this location.

Groundbreaking ceremony attendees walk along the Heart’s Delight Trail to learn about future amenities, facilities and interpretive signage.

Breaking Ground, Building the Future
Elected Officials stand in front of a nature trail, construction equipment and a sign that says "Trail Improvements Coming Soon" while wearing hard hats and holding shovels.

(Left to right): Dir. Ming Hyde (D5), Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Dir. Chapman (D3), Sen. Dave Cortese (SD-15), General Manager Andrea Mackenzie, Rep. Sam Liccardo (CA-16), Dir. Sutherland (D4), Valley Water District 1 Dir. John Varela & Dir. Kennett (D1)

Everyone deserves access to nature and these preserve enhancements will enable people of all backgrounds and abilities to experience the joy that comes from connecting with the outdoors.

The total cost of the project is $1.4 million, with $800,000 funded by the Federal Community Project Funding, $200,000 from Santa Clara Valley Water District’s Safe, Clean Water Project D3 Trails Grant Program and $400,000 from the Open Space Authority’s Measure Q.  

Follow along on our Instagram for a sneak peek as construction begins on this project! We will share updates about the progress of the project and provide advanced notice for the expected trail reopening in the fall of 2026. Learn more about this project on our Instagram and website!
 

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