PRESS RELEASE: Open Space Authority Board Approves $640,000 to Expand Meadowfair Park in San José

Project will bring native, pollinator-friendly landscaping and shade trees to unused land in southeast San José

SAN JOSÉ (Nov. 2, 2026) — The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority Board of Directors voted unanimously Oct. 22 to approve a $640,000 grant from its 20% Funding Program to the city of San José, to be carried out by the city’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services for the Meadowfair Park expansion project.

Meadowfair Park, at Corda Drive and Barberry Lane, is an 8.74-acre neighborhood park serving the Meadowfair and LeyVa neighborhoods in Council District 8. The grant will help pay for improvements to about 1.8 acres of currently unused land at this popular park, covering the design and construction of Phase 1 of the park’s City Council-approved master plan, which includes:

• Grading and irrigation
• A walking path
• Outdoor fitness equipment
• Lighting and benches
• Shade trees and California-friendly, native landscaping that benefits pollinators

The Authority’s grant is part of a $1 million project. The city is contributing the remaining $360,000 from its Construction and Conveyance Tax Fund. As the city adds housing near the park, the expansion will give new and existing residents more room to walk, exercise and experience nature close to home.

“The Meadowfair Park expansion shows how our partnerships with cities can bring open space, native plants and recreation together to provide places for neighbors to exercise and enjoy nature,” said Jackie McBride, community investment specialist at the Authority. “We’re glad to partner with the city of San José on a project that will serve this community well into the future.”

“Every neighborhood deserves access to nature and welcoming outdoor spaces close to home, but these investments haven’t always reached every community,” said Councilmember Domingo Candelas, who represents District 8. “Thanks to the Open Space Authority’s support, Meadowfair Park will soon have more opportunities for my residents to connect with nature, get active and have fun in their own backyard.”

“Nature is healing. It lowers stress, encourages movement and brings neighbors together,” said Kathy Sutherland, District 4 director and board chair at the Authority. “This funding will enrich the Meadowfair neighborhood by bringing the powerful benefits of nature right to residents’ doorsteps.”

About the 20% Funding Program

Established in 1996, the 20% Funding Program provides funding for urban open space projects. Eligible applicants are the cities of Campbell, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, San José and Santa Clara, as well as Santa Clara County. Funds can be used for land acquisition, restoration and improvements that provide or enhance open space.

Examples of Other 20% Funding Projects

Past projects across the Authority’s jurisdiction include:

• Martial Cottle Park: The Authority contributed funds toward Santa Clara County’s efforts to open a 288-acre urban park on the Martial Cottle Family Ranch. The Cottle family farmed the land for 150 years, and the park reflects this agricultural history by providing land for farmers and educational activities. The park features a trail system and several group picnic areas. https://www.openspaceauthority.org/projects-programs/martial-cottle-park 
• Three Creeks Trail: The Authority contributed funds totaling $3.24 million toward the purchase of land along a former Union Pacific rail line in the Willow Glen neighborhood of San José. The trail will eventually connect three creek trails: the Los Gatos Creek Trail, the Guadalupe River Trail and the Coyote Creek Trail. https://www.openspaceauthority.org/projects-programs/three-creeks-trail 
• Sycamore Terrace: The Authority awarded a $300,000 grant to the city of San José to help it transfer an undeveloped 1.42-acre parcel owned by the Housing Department to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services as an extension of Almaden Lake Park. Sycamore Terrace sits along the Guadalupe River Trail, adjacent to Almaden Lake in San José. https://www.openspaceauthority.org/projects-programs/sycamore-terrace
• Everett N. “Eddie” Souza Park: The Authority contributed $425,000 toward the city of Santa Clara’s project to create this 3-acre neighborhood park. Originally named San Tomas Community Garden Park, the site sits along the San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail, on the southwest corner of San Tomas Expressway and Monroe Avenue. https://www.openspaceauthority.org/projects-programs/everett-n-eddie-souza-park 

Learn more about Authority grants at https://www.openspaceauthority.org/grant-programs.

* * *

About the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority conserves the natural environment, supports agriculture and connects people to nature by protecting open spaces, natural areas and working farms and ranches for future generations. Since 1993, the Authority has protected almost 30,000 acres of open space, natural areas and working lands, watersheds and wildlife habitat — providing ecologically friendly outdoor recreation and preserving the natural beauty and environmental health of the Santa Clara Valley. For more information, visit openspaceauthority.org.

# # #