Morgan Hill Parks and Trails
Written By Robin Shepherd
Beginning in April, the City of Morgan Hill will build several downtown community parks with something for everyone with a
playful spirit. Construction of the parks is slated for completion in November. The City will utilize $2 million in state grant funds
and expects to realize cost-efficiencies and reduce community impacts by tackling these projects simultaneously. Conceptual design
of a comprehensive, accessible downtown parks system was done by Joni Janecki Landscape Architects, construction designs for the
three parks was done by Verde Designs of Santa Clara.
Little Llagas Creek Park
Little Llagas Creek Park will comprise a one-acre park area west of the
West 3rd Street and Monterey Road intersection. The majority of this
land is owned by the Santa Clara Valley Water District. The park will
enhance Morgan Hill’s ‘walkability’ factor, with a paved walking path
connecting West 2nd and 3rd Streets, while providing a park setting for
residents and visitors to gather, picnic, and enjoy the downtown together.
Park development will include trails and walkways, a pedestrian
bridge across West Little Llagas Creek, and installation of picnic tables
and benches, play equipment, bike racks, street lighting, an information
kiosk, and public art. The existing one-lane bridge will be replaced with
a two-lane vehicle/pedestrian bridge meeting City roadway standards.
Road repaving and improvements will occur on related sections of
West 3rd Street and Del Monte Avenue, and a paved parking area will
be added.
Morgan Hill Inclusive Playground Park
Our kids learn and grow mentally, physically, and emotionally through play. Why not have a playground where all kids can play,
regardless of age or abilities? That’s the vision behind the Morgan Hill Inclusive Playground, a project spearheaded by community
volunteers. Among the kid-centered features of the playground are a rock cave, a truss bridge, a sound garden, an area just for tots,
a tree fort, kinetic art, an amphitheater, climbing walls and nets, a swing zone (including a wheel chair swing), signs in Braille, and a
quiet garden with game tables. The playground and parking area will be fully ADA-compliant. Shade trees, plants and water misters
will create a natural park setting that provides respite on hot summer days.
MHIPP is organized as a nonprofit under the umbrella of the Morgan Hill Community Foundation. Fundraising efforts are well
underway to fund the playground’s estimated cost of $5 million. Thus far, committed funds include $400,000 (plus the playground
site) from the City of Morgan Hill, $150,000 from the County of Santa Clara, $50,000 from Junior League San Jose, $30,000 from
CalRecycle, and $16,000 from Intero Foundation. A donor wall will be installed to honor those whose contributions will make this
playground possible.
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GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
MARCH/APRIL 2017
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