Detecting Differences: Parks v. Preserves

The abundance of public natural lands available in the South Bay is truly remarkable. In the Bay Area, outdoor enthusiasts have access to an extensive network of trails that are protected by various government entities, park districts, non-profit organizations and more. While the distinctions between these lands may not always be apparent, each landowner has their own mission, values and motivations for safeguarding these unique and cherished natural lands. Get the lay of the land (pun intended!) on how “parks, “preserves” and “open space” are different from one another.

Parks: A park is an outdoor space that offers passive and active recreation amenities, education and conservation opportunities and can be categorized into neighborhood, regional, state and national parks, depending on how the park is managed.

• Pocket parks are typically one to two acres, maximum, and offer grassy areas, shade and limited play structures. They’re often located in urban areas and within walking distance of the immediate area.
   
• Neighborhood parks are often small and serve local residents. They may offer playgrounds, picnic areas, open grass areas, gardens, dog parks and/or sporting amenities and are generally managed by city governments.
   

• Regional parks are owned and managed by the local government (usually at the county level) and provide community members with opportunities for active and passive recreation and may include nature trails, bodies of water and cultural resources. For example, Hellyer County Park is a regional park managed by Santa Clara County Parks and offers recreation trails, a lake, picnic spaces and amenities for active activities, like volleyball and disc golf. 
   
• State parks are public lands managed by the state government and exist to provide access to nature, protect wildlife and preserve land, history and natural resources. State parks close to the Santa Clara Valley include Castle Rock State Park and Big Basin Redwoods State Park, both of which are located in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
   
• National parks are managed by the federal government and are defined as large amounts of land that protect natural and historic resources, offer recreational opportunities and safeguard landscapes for future generations. The closest national park to the Santa Clara Valley is Pinnacles National Park located east of the Salinas Valley and just 80 miles from San José.

Preserves: Nature preserves are large pieces of land that protect the habitat of native, and sometimes rare, flora and fauna that play an important role in the larger ecosystem.

Open Space: Open Space, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is defined as all unbuilt areas including forests and grasslands, farms, streams, rivers, parks and ranches. They can be publicly or privately owned and protected or unprotected. In general, “they provide ecosystem services, support agricultural and forest production and offer opportunities for recreation.”

So… what is an “open space preserve?” For the Open Space Authority, an open space preserve is land that includes natural elements, as defined by an open space (above), yet also focuses on protecting wildlife habitat and native vegetation while providing opportunities for passive recreation like hiking and birding. Check out your local Santa Clara Valley Open Space Preserves:

• Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve
• Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve
• Máyyan 'Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve
• Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve

In the Santa Clara Valley, land conservation and management entities exist to maintain and protect your parks, preserves and open space (and open space preserves) to benefit the community – they include:

• City of San José Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS): Connecting people through parks, recreation and neighborhood services for an active San José.
   
• Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District: Midpen’s mission is to acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity, protect and restore the natural environment, and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education.
   
• City of Santa Clara Parks & Recreation: The City of Santa Clara is proud to support a vibrant, active quality of life for all ages, abilities and interests in the Santa Clara community through excellent parks and recreational facilities, community services, programs and events.
   
• Milpitas Recreation and Community Services: The Milpitas Recreation and Community Services Department is dedicated to providing endless opportunities for the community to have recreational, healthful and educational.
   
• City of Campbell Recreation & Community Services: The City of Campbell has a number of neighborhood parks located throughout the city for the peaceful enjoyment of our residents and their families and guests.
   
• Morgan Hill Parks and Recreation: The City of Morgan Hill has a variety of parks and open space areas available to the public to use as well as facilities that can be rented for sports activities, BBQ, and special events.
   
• Peninsula Open Space Trust: POST protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all.
   
• Santa Clara County Parks: The mission of Santa Clara County Parks is to provide, protect, and preserve regional parklands for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations.

Now that you know the difference between a park, preserve, open space and open space preserve, the only thing left to figure out is which one you’ll visit first! If you plan to visit an open space preserve managed by the Open Space Authority for the first time, check out this guide to help select your next outdoor adventure.