On Thursday, January 25, the San Jose Parks and Recreation Commission will hear a report from city staff concerning the official definition of parkland in the City Charter. Please ask the Commission to ensure that the definition of parkland fully protects all existing, under-construction, and planned parks in the City of San Jose.

What’s Happening

In November 2022, the San Jose City Council directed city staff to develop an official definition for parkland under the City Charter. The Charter provides that “public parks” are city-owned lands that are “dedicated, improved, and open to the public for public park purposes.” However, there has never been any official definition of exactly what those terms mean. This means that some open space in the city that residents look on as a park might not qualify for protection – for example, parkland purchased by the city that has not yet been opened to the public, or portions of parks that have not been developed or “improved” and are still in their natural state. This is important because parks that are officially recognized as such under the Charter (“chartered parks”) can’t be sold by the city or converted to non-park uses.

We are urging the Parks and Recreation Commission to push for an official definition of parkland that provides maximum protection of San Jose’s parkland, including parks that are still in the planning stages or are under construction.

Why It Matters

Urban parks and open space provide multiple benefits for our communities. Nature and greenery in parks filter pollutants from the air and water, reduce temperatures during heat waves, and provide habitat for birds and insects. Studies have shown that exposure to nature benefits both physical and mental health. People feel happier and less stressed when they are able to get out into nature, including in the middle of an urban area.

What You Can Do

Please use the form below to email the Parks and Recreation Commission and ask them to ensure that the definition of parkland fully protects all existing, under-construction, and planned parks in the City of San Jose.