COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT

2019 EDITION

Twenty Years of Investments

Community Efforts Protect Wildlife

Therapeutics Team Leading the Way

Teen Center Shines with the All-Stars

Dream Boats Set Sail in San José

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE proceeds into parks, trails and For instance, within three community centers, we tackled miles of Happy Hollow Park & a small portion of our backlog of Zoo, there are 17 low-income Title rehabilitation projects. Yet, we I schools. In 2019, our partner, the continue to face challenges. Happy Hollow Foundation, hosted With many of the Measure 500 children at the park & zoo P funded facilities reaching for a day of life science education anniversaries of more than 10 and exploration. For 37% of the years, our infrastructure backlog children, it was their very first time continues to grow. Investing in at San José's second most visited places, programs and people must destination. We believe every continue to keep pace with the child deserves the opportunity to growing demands on the park learn and play in our beautiful park and recreation system of the 10ʰ & zoo and participate in all our largest city in the nation. recreational programs. Investments in people do Despite the challenges, we not happen without partners and are passionate about our vision: volunteers. Through BeautifySJ’s Healthy Communities that Inspire efforts to support safe, clean Belonging. I invite you to read streets and neighborhoods for this report, and learn about the Jon Cicirelli, director of PRNS all, organizations receive grants positive impacts Measure P has to complete neighborhood on our community. This is why beautification projects. Groups of we must continue to invest in our Director’s Message volunteers and individuals keep community together. our neighborhoods clean and help It is time to ActivateSJ for our The Department of Parks, protect, preserve and promote future. Play with your child in your Recreation and Neighborhood nature. Corporations have also neighborhood park playground; Services (PRNS) has provided taken the stewardship mantle, host a family reunion at a park San Joseans with places to play integrating park beautification or community center; enjoy the and connect for decades. As time projects and cleanups as part of scenery of our regional parks; get passes and our City changes, we their team building events. fit and healthy with a leisure class; evolve to meet the needs of today Beyond stewardship, keep youth engaged and safe at and invest in our future. With this corporations can help us achieve an afterschool program or teen annual report, we close out a equity & access by ensuring that center; and provide your parents decade and welcome another with cost is not a barrier for families to with a healthy meal and a place ActivateSJ, our new strategic plan. access our services. We award $1 where they can make new ActivateSJ is a community- million annually in scholarships, friends through the senior inspired plan. It is a people-first, but the need outpaces available nutrition program. service-driven strategy with five funding. guiding principles that speak directly to what San Joseans value in a park and recreation system: stewardship, nature, equity & access, identity, and public life. In 2000, San José set the groundwork for ActivateSJ by approving the Measure P Safe Neighborhood Parks and Recreation Bond. Over the last two decades, PRNS has successfully managed this community investment in public infrastructure that pays off in our daily life by providing quality places to connect and play throughout the city. We have our roadmap for the next two decades in ActivateSJ. With the sale of the city-owned Coleman property and the City Council's decision to reinvest CIR 2019 Stewardship We Take Care of What We Have and Invest for the Future

Mayfair Community Center renovation breaks ground in July of 2007 (left) and is completed in January of 2009.

The center features the César Chávez banquet 20 Years of Investment in hall with a commercial-grade kitchen, dance studio, Building Community fitness room, skate park, playground and swimming pool all part of the Measure P improvements. In the year 2000, San José residents invested “Community centers are for everyone - from in their community by passing Measure P, the $228 preschoolers to seniors,” explains Tony Torres, million Safe Neighborhood Parks and Recreation Mayfair Community Center’s recreation supervisor. Bond. PRNS successfully managed two decades “We are like a mini version of City Hall in their eyes. of projects which improved or constructed 69 People come with questions not related to recreation neighborhood parks, seven regional park projects, because they feel comfortable here.” nine community centers, and five trail segments. The center was completed in 2009. Its design elements pay homage to the historic Mayfair “Measure P is a nod to collaboration neighborhood - home to labor leader and civil rights between the City and its residents - sowing activist, César Chávez. The banquet hall, named in his honor, provides the community a much-needed the seeds and reaping the benefits of amenity that is available for public events, family community investment in parks, trails, centers celebrations and private parties. It is also home to and programs,” remarked Jon Cicirelli, PRNS an essential lunch hour program. From Monday to director. Friday, it is bustling with active adults. According to Torres, the senior nutrition program now serves about Measure P fully and partially funded 100 per day in comparison to 50 to 60 before the improvments all over the city. A walk into Mayfair renovation. Community Center, which celebrated its 10-year Measure P-funded improvements have impacted anniversary in December 2019, will fill you with joy, residents in all areas of the City, whether they are friendship, laughter and hope. At noon, seniors are participating in a leisure class at their community enjoying a nutritious meal with new friends; in the center, dropping a child off at preschool, bicycling afternoon, children and teens are learning, on a trail or strolling in their neighborhood park. socializing and playing in a safe environment while PRNS provides community spaces for a safe, fun and adults enjoy the fitness room. healthy San José.

Community Southside Centers Camden Built with Berryessa Youth Roosevelt Measure P Gardner Almaden Mayfair Seven Trees Bascom Funds 2004-2005 2005-2006 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 PRNS celebrated the grand opening of Iris Chang Park, the city's 207ʰ park, on November 9, 2019. The Park's namesake honors the late Iris Chang, San José resident and world-renowned author and activist.

Chang, Iris Chang’s mother. “When The renovated center is Quality Places Are you walk through this beautiful staffed by Evergreen Community Investments in park, I hope you can relax and Center who offers programs and contemplate in the tranquility and services such as summer camps, People peace of its surroundings and dance classes, sports leagues and enjoy the serenity.” hosts park activations to bring Quality places are at the PRNS parks and facilities help neighbors together. It serves as a forefront of community building shape community identity by model for rebuilding communities as was evident with the grand honoring history and fostering through parks befitting of the opening of Iris Chang Park and strong neighborhood ties through PRNS mission: connecting people the renovation of Welch Park’s the sharing of stories, connections through parks, recreation and neighborhood center. From North and experiences. When PRNS neighborhood services. San José to the East foothills, set out to renovate Welch Park’s Rehabilitation of existing PRNS is taking care of what we neighborhood center, it was facilities and construction of have and investing in the future. seeking to invest in an entire new park spaces are funded community. by impact fees, Construction & “Parks are the fabric of “Welch Park has had its ups Conveyance Taxes, and grants, our community. They provide and downs but seeing the change bringing essential infrastructure and how the City is interested in to neighborhoods in the form of both active and passive Welch brings a lot of optimism parks, trails and centers. recreation,” said Nicolle for neighbors,” said Nino Tran, a Burnham, PRNS deputy Welch Park neighbor of 25 years. director.

Hundreds of people from the River Oaks neighborhood and throughout the Bay Area attended the opening of Iris Chang Park on November 9, the City’s 207ʰ park. The park honors the North San José resident and world-renowned author of the bestseller, “The Rape of Nanking: The Forgotten Holocaust of World War II.” “My husband and I walked here almost every day to watch the development and construction of the park,” stated Ying-Ying stewards of their community in City-led volunteer opportunities, San José Ranks and neighborhood parks. For the BeautifySJ grants support No. 1 in California for Patricia Mendoza, the Evergreen residents’ efforts by providing Leadership Neighborhood up to $5,000 in funding for Volunteerism Association president, adopting beautification projects. BeautifySJ Groesbeck Hill Park was a way of coordinated 787 anti-litter events On a sleepy Sunday morning, bringing neighbors and families last year, collected 57,322 bags of you’ll find volunteers clad in neon together. litter and removed 185.6 tons of touching up picnic tables, picking debris from our streets. up litter and clearing debris at local “Having clean parks is “The annual BeautifySJ report parks as part of PRNS’ Sunday showed the total number of in the Park series. This scene is important to us, especially as volunteer hours increased from one of the reasons the San José a neighborhood association, 2018 to 2019 from 50,625 to metropolitan area leads the state we want to improve the 53,159. There is no question as to in volunteering, according to why we rank first in the state for the Corporation for National and community, not just the park,” volunteerism,” said Williams. Community Service. said Mendoza. Whether it’s the retiree or a “From adopting a park to group of 15-year-old volunteers weekly neighborhood cleanups, Expanding upon PRNS’ Anti- looking to complete their high volunteers contribute on many Graffiti and Anti-Litter programs, school community service different fronts,” explained the BeautifySJ Initiative brings hours or a corporation giving Olympia Williams, PRNS program people together to remove litter back to the community, PRNS manager. from the streets, creeks, trails, provides opportunities to invest The Adopt-A-Park program and parks to build community in neighborhoods and strengthen enables residents to become pride. In addition to participating community ties.

Members of the Evergreen Leadership Neighborhood Association pause for a photo with Adopt-a-Park staff during a cleanup event at Groesbeck Hill Park. Community Services Aides have the opportunity to develop leadership skills and gain hands-on work experience. In 2019, PRNS hosted a one-day hiring event and issued 68 job offers.

granted conditional job offers and access to onsite First Jobs Are Family Memories fingerprinting, eliminating two major roadblocks of the hiring process. A 14-year-old steps out of their first interview. "In one day, the hiring team issued 68 offers, Their family is waiting, excited and tense with instead of reaching an equal amount with the expectations. The youth shakes their head “no” with traditional months-long hiring process. While a frown that quickly turns into a laugh before pulling filling positions quickly is a great benefit, this out a brightly colored job offer. It was a fake-out. The effective process brings the family together," said family heads to the other room for the next phase, Dave DeLong, PRNS acting division manager. "A beaming with pride. nervous interviewee is not alone anymore. It’s a family memory." “A lot of the parents were just as nervous as their kids. It was like watching them take their first step or say their first word,” said Jaine Davies, PRNS employment analyst. “By actively involving parents, we showed them that their kids were in good hands. These relationships can build community trust.”

Getting a job as a Community Services Aide can be a momentous occasion. Many hired for these part-time positions are only 14. The position is the first on their resume; where they gain valuable work experience. Landing your first job is a great achievement but it can also be difficult. A lack of transportation and parental assistance can be a roadblock for teenagers too young to drive or sign legal documents. In March of 2019, Human Resources and PRNS launched a hiring pilot to streamline the process and reach the goal of hiring 75 Community Services Aides. PRNS invited applicants and their parents or PRNS staff promotes confidence and physical activity skills amongFIT guardians to a one-day hiring event. Youth were Camp participants. CIR 2019 Nature We Protect, Preserve and Promote Natural Areas for All People

Happy Hollow is currently renovating its Backyard Habitat exhibit to serve as a pollinator garden. Renovations include drought-resistant native plants and shaded seating, the exhibit will open in Spring of 2020.

“In parks, we are piloting the Meadow Spot Protecting Nature program to install native plants in place of grass or in unlandscaped areas. These are places we already California has a diverse array of native wildlife manage,” explained Alex Pearson, PRNS interim and plants, from mountain lions and live oaks to the parks division manager. “Planting native and meadow poppy flower. Recognizing the beauty and benefits plants will create habitat for wildlife, prevent erosion of local biodiversity, PRNS has taken measures to and save money on maintenance. The bonus is that protect, preserve and promote nature. residents enjoy the natural and beautiful spaces.” Pollinators are integral to the production of fruits, San José residents are taking these benefits nuts and vegetables, as well as the propagation of to heart. PRNS has harnessed this community native plants. Providing habitats for pollinators is not enthusiasm to great public benefit. In March 2019, just an investment in nature, but also in our future. volunteers from Westgate Church helped install a staff-designed pollinator garden at Capitol Park. “The best way to protect our native wildlife Pollinator gardens encourage the community to visit is to invest in landscaping that utilizes the park while enhancing bird, bee and butterfly habitats. The Meadow Spot areas only require pollinator-friendly, native plants,” said Avi mowing once or twice a year, which cuts operating Yotam, PRNS acting deputy director. “That’s costs as opposed to the frequent maintenance of why we are investing in building these grassy areas. From the protection of pollinators that make habitats.” California’s agriculture possible to the natural beautification of local parks, these programs marry Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is renovating the aesthetics, fiscal responsibility and nature for the Backyard Habitat exhibit to serve as a pollinator benefit of all. garden for hummingbirds, butterflies, honey and native bees. In addition to being a National Wildlife Federation certified wildlife habitat, the updated exhibit will also be a Monarch Watch certified garden. This project is scheduled to open in 2020. Into the Wild Teen trips are a fun, easy way to connect youth to nature. This year, 136 youth participated in winter and summer trips in the great outdoors. Teens slid down the slopes of Squaw Valley in Tahoe, rafted on the American River, pitched tents in Joseph D. Grant County Park and hiked up trails in Yosemite National Park.

“These trips provide a unique opportunity for teens to explore the world outside of their city, learn a new healthy activity and build connections with nature and each other,” Teens, accompanied by PRNS staff, pose during a snow trip to Squaw Valley, a first time said Carina Orozco, a PRNS experience for many. recreation specialist. Not only are young people As the provider of parks, Many Teen Center members discovering new environments, recreation and neighborhood seldom leave the city. On the first they are also developing skills services in a rapidly growing trip to Squaw Valley in 2017, nine through structured activities, such city, PRNS relies on teen trips out of 10 teens had never seen as camping, night hiking, river to expand young people's snow. Camping in the woods was rafting, skiing, snowboarding, experiences with nature in our a first-time experience for most swimming, and team building. city and beyond. of the 25 youth who attended the According to the Trust for Public inaugural trip to Family Camp at Land, access to nature reduces Yosemite in 2018. stress and promotes socialization. Overnight Camping Returns to Alum Rock Park Elongated tent rods, sizzling campfires and beaming smiles abound when PRNS park rangers host an overnight camping event. You can also expect a packed campground. “We haven’t had regular camping at Alum Rock Park in a long time. It was popular with scout groups, but it’s been almost 20 years since the last one,” said Roger Abe, the vet- eran park ranger who helped organize the event on June 22.

Families registered for the Learn to Camp Overnight Experience on a first-come, first-serve basis to learn the fundamentals of camping while taking in the sights and sounds of historic Alum Rock Park. The demand resulted in a waitlist of 100 potential campers, cementing the value San José residents place on their connection to nature. Founded in 1872, Alum Rock Park went from a 19th-century mineral spa destination to a popular family amusement park and zoo before returning to its natural state in the 1970s. The park is home to 720 acres of preserved nature, providing visitors with scenic views and 13 miles of trails nestled along the East foothills. In choosing to preserve San José’s public spaces, PRNS is conserving Alum Rock Park’s natural history for all residents to enjoy, and to potentially provide Overnight campers prepare a hot meal at Alum Rock Park for more camping experiences in our backyards. approximately 25 fellow campers. CIR 2019 Equity & Access We Embrace People of All Ages, Cultures and Abilities

All-Access Sports and Recreation participants look on as a team member attempts a three-pointer at Bascom Community Center.

participants to different wheelchair sports, like They Came. They Saw. the Bascom Thunder and Wheels on Fire, the They Played Basketball. power soccer team. San Joseans and residents of neighboring communities of all abilities are welcome Across San José, you’ll find All-Access Sports and at PRNS facilities and programs for fun, accessible Recreation (AASR) programs like adapted bowling, and inclusive recreation. fitness, power soccer, dance, and martial arts; but, there's only one official wheelchair basketball team, the Bascom Thunder. People living with disabilities have long turned to sports to bridge the gap between stereotypes and their reality. “The disability community has many barriers when it comes to participating in adapted sports, whether it’s a financial or transportation Award-Winning Teams issue. It’s crucial to have these programs because we deserve to have similar opportunities as our Donna Hepp and Gloria Teerman, PRNS abled peers,” commented Anna Ryan, a participant at Bascom Community Center for 11 years. “These recreation program specialists at Camden programs give us a sense of community. We become and Northside community centers, invested in each other’s lives beyond sport. We respectively, received the San Andreas become family!” Regional Center Service Above Self Awards The Bascom Thunder practice weekly at Bascom Community Center, offering two separate sessions for for “Outstanding Community Service and beginners and advanced participants. Head Coach Support.” The Service Above Self awards Mike Elix was introduced to wheelchair basketball celebrate the advocacy, friendship, kindness as a disabled 22-year-old going through physical and love provided to residents challenged rehabilitation. Now, Coach Elix shows individuals the benefits of physical activity and team sports through with physical and mental health needs. AASR. The Grace Art & Wellness program at “We’re all coming from a different Northside Community Center received background so, we put all of that aside and a Community Resource of the Year focus on the things we can do versus the Award. At Grace, staff trained in trauma- things we can’t do,” said Elix. informed approaches provide art therapy; behavioral health support groups and case “It’s vital to the community that we provide management; sports, fitness and nutrition [therapeutic recreation] services in San José. Many classes. Grace is a safe, respectful place cities don’t offer what we do,” stated Tessa Kryst, who helps oversee the Bascom Thunder as a PRNS where members can relax, be themselves inclusion specialist. and socialize. PRNS provides a platform to enrich the quality of life with all-inclusive sports programs to expose Full STEAM Ahead Youth are naturally curious and are constantly trying to figure out what works. The Recreation of City Kids (R.O.C.K.) afterschool program calls on children’s curiosity to help them engage in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) learning and personal growth through practical engineering experiments. Participating for the third time Team R.O.C.K. shows off their completion medals at the Tech Challenge on March 30, 2019. in the annual Tech Challenge at the Tech Interactive, a team of fourth and fifth graders from Baldwin Elementary R.O.C.K. they’re all over the Tech time and all three allowed “restart” worked hard to develop, build and Challenge’s social media, attempts, the team’s device test a small, functional hoverboard. successfully crossed the finish line Team R.O.C.K. spent several showing off their costumes, in the last 10 seconds to the cheers months designing the device. their team dance and song, of their families and R.O.C.K staff. This is just one example of how and they are enjoying every Team R.O.C.K. was supported PRNS implements the California by a three-year grant from the Afterschool Network’s Quality minute of it!” Tech Interactive’s Bower’s Institute Standards of Expanded Learning, of Innovation. Due to the team’s which includes helping students During the process, the success, the Tech extended its develop skills related to their students enhanced their partnership an additional year and strengths and interests. reflection and observation skills trained additional R.O.C.K. staff as by journaling their progress. The certified Engineering Education “The Tech Challenge challenge is mostly focused on Leaders. successful teamwork and growth The City’s partnership with helps connect youth and their through failure rather than having the Tech Interactive continues community and inspires them a device that crosses the finish to provide opportunities for to be future engineers,” said line. enterprising youth. The partnership In March 2019, Team R.O.C.K. helps kids that might not have Amy Jewett, PRNS recreation tested their device at the “No opportunities to learn the supervisor and Team Roads, No Problem” tech fundamentals of engineering and R.O.C.K.’s tech advisor. “Three challenge alongside 600 other prepares the next generation for a tech Bay Area teams. Their successful future in Silicon Valley. years ago, these kids had no prototype and findings were interest in engineering. Now presented to a panel of judges. Taking nearly the entire allotted

Members of Team R.O.C.K. were praised for their enthusiasm, costumes, team dance and song. All-Inclusive Playgrounds All-inclusive playgrounds add a meaningful and critical dimension to the social and cultural context of a city. They provide places for people of all abilities and ages to come together and share in the joy of play. With the help of grants, PRNS will build three new all-inclusive playgrounds and enhance the Rotary PlayGarden, the city's first all-inclusive playground, originally built in 2015, which is operated and managed by the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy. North, east, south and west Children climb a play structure at the Rotary PlayGarden, San José's first all-inclusive San José will have a playground playground built in 2015. providing equitable access to the benefits of all-inclusive play. PRNS The design of all-inclusive “All-inclusive playgrounds received $4.6 million from Santa playgrounds provides for not only promote diversity Clara County to build at Lincoln experiences that are comfortable, and encourage imagination Glen, Almaden Lake and Emma fun and challenging for those and creativity, but there are Prusch Farm parks and expand the with physical and mental developmental benefits as well,” Rotary PlayGarden. disabilities and create a range of added Burnham. “Physical play opportunities for social interaction. helps nurture social and motor “All-inclusive playgrounds For example, the Rotary skills, problem-solving and go far beyond the ADA PlayGarden provides safety rubber decision making, and it is a great requirements,” said Nicolle surfacing, ramps and earthen mental health booster.” mounds to ensure that all parts Research shows that exposure Burnham, PRNS deputy of the playground are usable to nature at a young age helps director. “They are specifically and enjoyable for people with improve cognitive development, designed to provide mobility or physical disabilities. and it’s also been shown to have It includes space devoted to a beneficial effect on children with everyone, regardless of age imaginative, musical and nature autism and sensory processing or ability, with the capacity to sensory play for those with autism, disorders. Thus, PRNS is placing play alongside their peers, sensory disorders, cognitive or an emphasis on adding trees developmental disabilities. and natural play materials in all- feel connected and create a inclusive playgrounds. community of inclusion.”

Kids enjoy the slide at Rotary PlayGarden, operated and managed by the Guadelupe River Park Conservancy. PRNS provides more than 800 summer camp programs for youth, like FIT camp at the Roosevelt Community Center.

camps such as Lake Cunningham Action Sports Scholarships Increase Park and Family Camp at Yosemite, which provides Access to Summer Camps qualified families the opportunity for affordable tent reservations. PRNS is a premier summer camp provider, offering Summer ends and youth grow up, but the an exciting mix of recreational and educational fun. experiences that PRNS offers lasts a lifetime. Thanks to a new partnership with the County of Santa Clara Department of Family and Children’s Services, scholarship opportunities were available in 2019 for youth in the foster care system. The $44,000 in County funds offered foster care youth and those with disabilities free access to summer camps and therapeutic recreation opportunities, including swim lessons and specialty camps at community centers, parks and at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo. “Maintaining low-cost programs that promote quality connections is a priority. PRNS is committed to accessibility, inclusivity and equity,” said Jon Cicirelli, PRNS director. “Scholarships ensure all children have access to quality education and recreation programs.”

Summer camps and classes combat summer-time learning loss and declining health due to inactivity and a lack of healthy food. Aimed at bridging this gap, PRNS provides over 800 summer programs for youth to engage in, with several including free lunch and snacks. PRNS offers nearly $1 million in scholarships. These scholarships apply to the popular Camp Camp San José youth play soccer at Almaden Lake Park. Summer San José, San José Recreation Preschool, R.O.C.K. Afterschool, and aquatics, as well as specialty camp combats summer-time inactivity. CIR 2019 Identity We Aim To Be A Premier Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services System

PRNS staff huddles with San José youth on the red carpet of the 2019 NHL All-Star game at SAP Center on January 25, 2019.

youth hockey program received 280 hockey sticks, City of All-Stars 24 goalie sticks and 12 goalie kits. Youth from Roosevelt Community Center and “The programs in our facility help improve and Franklin McKinley Elementary school had the enrich the lives of the people in our community. Our chance to walk the red carpet alongside 2019 staff and partners care so much about the work we National Hockey League (NHL) All-Star players on do because this is our community too,” said Carina January 25, 2019. Orozco, PRNS recreation specialist. For the youth, it was an unforgettable night of Out of the Shark Tank and into the Roosevelt selfies, autographs and handshakes with local San Roller Rink, San Joseans live to continuously build Jose Sharks idols Brent Burns, Joe Pavelski (former) upon their city and neighborhood’s unique character and Erik Karlsson. through the presence of role models, such as Hernandez, Orozco and Burns. “In addition to providing our youth access to the NHL All-Star event, the Sharks Foundation sent a care package which included mini hockey sticks, mini helmets, and hockey pucks the youth could use for autographs from their favorite players. It was an incredible night,” said Marco Hernandez, Roosevelt Community Center recreation supervisor.

Since 1995, the Roosevelt Community Center has operated the only outdoor rink in San José. With San José hosting the 2019 NHL All-Star Weekend games, the Roosevelt Roller Hockey Rink became the $500,000 NHL “Legacy Project.” The 24-year-old rink San Jose Sharks’ Brent Burns and former Captain was renovated with new tiles and boards, and the Joe Pavelski play roller hockey with teens at the grand opening ceremony of the renovated Roosevelt Roller Hockey Rink. “She was small enough that back blows sufficed for actual CPR resuscitation,” Tiffany said. “She was only four and a half pounds. By the time the ambulance arrived, she was crying and was mad!” When the family returned a month later for an emotional reunion with Tiffany, the baby had doubled her body weight. “She’s in my life forever,” said Sharlene Tiffany and Tyler Roth (center) received a commendation from Mayor Sam Liccardo (left to right), Bruzone, the newborn’s mother. Councilmember Sergio Jimenez, and PRNS Director Jon Cicirelli for their heroic act of saving “I’m very thankful that I get the the life of an 11-day-old infant. opportunity to say thank you.”

lot, they quickly notified staff, the “I didn’t know that I would Two Heroes and a Roth siblings. As the Roths and be confident performing CPR Baby one of the parents approached to until I didn’t have an option. I provide aid, a woman held up a was really glad that we have Two Southside Community newborn girl and screamed that Center staff, Tiffany and Tyler Roth, she wasn't breathing. that training,” said Tiffany. received a commendation from the Tiffany acted swiftly. She San José City Council for their act dropped what she was carrying The Roths received first aid of heroism when they saved the and ran to the newborn. As her training which is one of the many life of an 11-day-old infant. brother helped calm the mother, professional development training When a couple of San José Tiffany drew upon her City of San resources required for PRNS staff. Recreation Preschool parents José CPR training. She cleared the noticed two distressed people with baby’s throat and began delivering a newborn in the center's parking back blows.

Inspiring Neighbors

Project Hope inspires San José residents to become community leaders by providing resources and engaging with community partners to address important neighborhood issues such as crime, poverty and blight. “Project Hope is a community capacity building strategy based on principles Project Hope participants pose after cleaning up Bellevue Park in the Alma neighborhood. of partnership, development and empowerment,” explained Neil Rufino, PRNS own neighborhood associations communities understand, they assistant director. “The through a series of workshops hold the power to actually make involving how to write grants, changes. We just show them how program develops viable form partnerships, lead effective to do it.” neighborhood associations meetings, and tips for mobilizing Since it launched in 2016, and community action groups neighbors. Project Hope has assisted in “Many times, our most the establishment of three to improve a neighborhood’s marginalized communities neighborhood associations and quality of life.” understand they need services hosted over 60 litter pick up and support. They just may events with an average of 20-25 Under the umbrella of the not know how to access those volunteers per event. With the Mayor's Gang Prevention Task services or who to call,” said Israel positive progress of the initial sites, Force (MGPTF), the Project Canjura, MGPTF superintendent. Project Hope will expand to six Hope “Neighborhood Academy” “Project Hope’s resident-driven additional sites for a total of nine empowers residents to form their focus makes sure that our locations in 2020. Cooking Up Intergenerational Connections Cooking and enjoying a meal together is one way to build cultural and personal bonds. It’s no surprise that the Generation to Generation (Gen2Gen) program, funded by The Health Trust, would leverage cooking to create meaningful interactions between youth and older adults. With an array of active adult programs and a lively teen center, Mayfair Community Center was the perfect location for the Gen2Gen cooking program. For eight weeks, Ignacio Ochoa helping a teen learn how to make breakfast burritos during the Gen2Gen seniors and youth got to know each other while they cooked. cooking program at Mayfair Community Center. Each hour-long session focused on learning a new recipe. alcohol and 52% less likely to between youth and seniors are The youth developed a new skip school. common. Whether that means respect for their elders and For seniors, intergenerational creating decorations together learned to view them as supportive interaction addresses a subtler that celebrate cultural holidays mentors. problem: senior isolation. A like Nowruz and Tết or the annual University of California San Halloween parades through “They can help you if Francisco study declared senior Southside Community Center's you’re struggling with some- isolation an epidemic that affects Senior Nutrition Program, seniors 40% of seniors. The City’s Age- and preschoolers reap the benefits thing at school or your per- Friendly Gen2Gen program aims of San José being an Age-Friendly sonal life,” said Amando, a to address ageism and isolation City, an honor bestowed by the youth participant. “They can through meaningful interactions World Health Organization in 2017. between generations by providing When the City brings seniors give you advice.” volunteer opportunities for older and youth together around a plate adults. of chilaquiles or a bowl of lentil Amando isn’t an exception. PRNS works to build these soup, a warm, healthy meal is but Youth involved in intergenerational connections early. At community a small benefit. The real treat is the mentoring programs are 46% less centers with both a San José intergenerational bonds that lead likely to begin using illegal drugs, Recreation Preschool and Senior to better life outcomes. 27% less likely to begin using Nutrition Program, interactions

Southside Community Center celebrates it's intergenerational Halloween event with local trick-or-treaters and senior participant Larry Leung. (left) Luz Gonzalez of the Female Intervention Team and San José youth begin a therapeutic painting exercise with a blank slate.

It Takes a Team end of the day, we’re possibly going to have these young ladies replace us. It’s a cycle of Nationally, youth crime rates have decreased; empowerment.” however, arrests of females have increased, according to the US Department of Justice. To curtail the statistic, the Female Intervention Team (FIT) Positive role models have multiple effects on the is working with young women who are at-risk or lives of youth, including enhanced self-esteem and involved in the justice system. academic performance, avoidance of alcohol and FIT provides specialized gender-responsive case drug abuse, better anger management, confidence management to prevent youth from entering the to overcome difficulties, and greater success in work juvenile justice system while helping those already in and social environments. the system from re-entering by providing them with FIT serves 50 young ladies between the ages resources and pro-social activities. Although primarily of 12-24 per year. FIT participants receive resources a case management program, the staff are also role such as pregnancy prevention, housing, counseling, models. education enrollment, and job placement. In addition to life skills, they are exposed to new experiences. “Activities vary from arts and crafts to meditation “When you’re talking about identity, the and trips,” described Hilda Morales, PRNS community women supporting these girls come from coordinator. “They venture to places they haven't the same neighborhoods,” explained Mona before, like overnight camping. Exposure to healthy opportunities gives them a new perspective.” Martinez, PRNS youth outreach worker II. FIT is a program of the Mayor’s Gang Prevention “Having positve role models in their lives Task Force, San José’s nationally recognized model that look like them, talk like them and to curb gang-related activity and transform our young people and their neighborhoods. understand them is really impactful. At the CIR 2019 Public Life We Promote Community Spaces for a Safe, Fun and Healthy San José

Children look at their dream boats before they set sail during the Vietnamese Moon Festival on August 31, 2019 at the Japanese Friendship Garden. Photo Credit: Robin Lasser, Casey Ruiz and the Dream Boat Project in collaboration with Chopsticks Alley Art.

To many immigrants, America is known as a Dream Boats Sail into the mosaic of cultures, traditions and history. After the Sunset as the Full Moon Rises cultural celebration, the event concluded with a campfire, storytelling, s’mores, and stargazing. This A burnt orange sky marked the end of summer combined Vietnamese celebration and American and the beginning of a newfound tradition at the pastime emphasized the importance of family and Japanese Friendship Garden. Over 300 people connectedness. The event attracted residents from attended the final Kelley Park Sunset Walk series diverse backgrounds which helps build a more event of 2018 to celebrate the Vietnamese Moon inclusive community. Festival and share stories of resilience. The event “The partnership with the Kelley Park rangers was was hosted by the Kelley Park rangers, Chopsticks the first of its kind for us [Chopsticks Alley], meaning Alley Art and Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful. it was the first time we shared the Vietnamese The Moon Festival honors the end of the harvest Moon Festival with an American audience. This is season, but over time, has transformed into a uncommon for the Vietnamese community as we celebration of children. This year, Chopsticks Alley Art tend to stay more insular, but I think it’s important for gave away colorful lanterns, a common Moon Festival others to engage in our culture in a meaningful way,” tradition. Also, participants were asked to write their recalled Cron. hopes and dreams on paper boats to symbolize their relatives’ journey to America. Once night fell, the paper “dream boats” lit up the koi pond in a similar colorful array as the men and women fashioned in traditional Vietnamese clothing, known as áo dài. As the pond mirrored the stars in the sky, so did a video projection featuring the healing stories of the Vietnamese Diaspora, part of artist Robin Lasser’s project “Dream Boat-San José Stories,” commissioned by the San Jose Museum of Art. “The event provided an opportunity for the Vietnamese community to show off our uniqueness and there was definitely a sense of pride that came with it,” said Trami Cron, Chopsticks Alley Art executive artistic director and City of San José Parks and Recreation commissioner. Musician playing traditional Vietnamese music. Photo Credit: Robin Lasser, Casey Ruiz and the Dream Boat Project in collaboration with Chopsticks Alley Art. her husband reached the White Seven Trees staff worked with Michelle Obama House. Public Allies leaders, Obama’s Visits Public Allies Obama, an accomplished team, Secret Service and the lawyer and former executive San José Police Department to at Seven Trees director of the Chicago branch ensure everyone’s safety and Community Center of Public Allies was the Silicon comfort. They worked late into the Valley branch’s special guest at night to accommodate the high- Seven Trees Community its weekly leadership workshop, profile event and created a chalk Center hosted a very special guest where she recounted her time in backdrop that was featured in on December 14, 2018. Before what she called her favorite job. many photos. taking the stage at San José’s Although Seven Trees staff SAP Center for the tour behind “It was an honor to host routinely adapt the center to make her memoir, “Becoming,” former Michelle Obama and Public all facility rentals special, this event First Lady, Michelle Obama, took a was extraordinary and they all felt quick detour to Seven Trees. She Allies at Seven Trees,” said an immense sense of pride to be met with members and alumni of Dominique Pacolba, Seven the hosts of this private event. Public Allies, a nonprofit group Trees Community Center she helped lead in the 1990s in Chicago — years before she and recreation supervisor.

Michelle Obama (center) posing with Seven Trees Community Center staff during an event on December 14, 2018. (left to right) Dominique Pacolba, Corina Ross, Esmeralda Ochoa and Kim Ross. Special events connect people to conservation efforts while building a sense of community.

Brew at the “Special events help People of all ages can have us fulfill our mission of exceptional experiences and build Zoo Makes memories at Happy Hollow Park & connecting people to nature Zoo, one of the most visited places Conservation Fun through play,” said Kevin in San José. Public life events Hertell, zoo manager. “When strengthen community life by When Happy Hollow Park connecting people through safe, & Zoo launched Brew at the we experience animals fun events. Zoo, a 21-and-over beer tasting event in 2018, it sold out with up close, we feel more 300 attendees. This year, with connected to them, and are the support of the nonprofit The more likely to take action to Beerwalk, Metro Silicon Valley Newspaper, and 39 breweries, it protect them in the wild.” drew a crowd of more than 1,200. “People were laughing and having fun. They were getting hyped to ride the Keep-Around- Carousel. I’ve never seen so many adults getting their face painted,” said Dylan Kuhlmann, a PRNS recreation leader. “You can’t overestimate how important events like this are to building community pride.” San José residents that haven’t visited Happy Hollow since they were kids and those who have never experienced the Park & Zoo found their inner-child while exploring the attractions and socializing. The event offered an opportunity to engage with conservation and learn about the Zoo’s involvement in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan programs, and local pollinator conservation efforts in a fun, Real life experience helps people connect with wildlife at San José's second most visited vibrant atmosphere. destination, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo. Viva Parks attendee enjoys a game of cornhole at Hillview Park. Viva Parks transforms neighborhood parks with positive programming by providing community resources and fun.

Saigon, past Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and onto Transforming Parks and Willow Street. Connecting Neighbors In September 2019, Viva CalleSJ welcomed hundreds of thousands through a route that included By connecting people to people, uniting Backesto Park, San José’s historic Japantown and neighbors and visually transforming parks, the St. James Park, past Guadalupe River Park’s Arena PRNS Placemaking team plans and creates Green and the Municipal Rose Garden. activities and events that contribute to everyday In 2020, residents and visitors will enjoy two Viva happiness and health. The team is providing safe, CalleSJ routes and countless neighbors will watch a fun community activations that increase park usage movie or hear a concert in their neighborhood park. and neighborhood pride with three signature event The Placemaking team helps promote community programs: Viva Parks Neighborhoods, Viva Parks spaces for a safe, fun and healthy San José. Downtown and Viva CalleSJ. Viva Parks transforms neighborhood parks with positive programming by providing community resources. The Placemaking team connects people to each other while they enjoy a movie night, concert, lawn games, yoga, and more.

“Activating parks brings smiles and joy to surrounding neighbors. In 2019, almost 8,400 neighbors joined together at 21 different parks to enjoy social, recreational and healthy activities. Viva Parks Neighborhoods creates opportunities for community members to enjoy their public spaces,” said Kayla Solano, PRNS acting event coordinator.

Viva CalleSJ, the City’s signature open streets event, transforms San José streets into the largest park for a day. In 2019, Viva CalleSJ became a biannual event, opening miles of streets for people to enjoy. In May 2019, Viva CalleSJ hosted thousands Two kids make their way to the top of the climbing wall while through the business districts of Story Road and Little neighbors join the fun and reclaim their local park. Our Financial Progress Community Impact

PRNS provides programming and innovative special events utilizing a financially sustainable strategy. SPECIAL EVENTS PRNS is committed to ensuring affordable access in its service delivery approach while minimizing VIVA PARKS PARK ACTIVATION BY OTHERS the impact on the City’s General Fund. PRNS is DOWNTOWN Special events: 1,403 proud of the continued growth of programs, Visitors: 18,530 Permits issued: 219 increased revenue and the restoration of services. Event attendees: 1,337,711 VIVA PARKS AUTHORIZED PRNS NEIGHBORHOODS VIVA CALLESJ POSITIONS | 768.78* OPERATIONS | $126,088,458 Events held: 51 Participants: 150,000 Fiscal Year 19-20 Fiscal Year 19-20 Attendees: 8,923 Miles of open streets: 6 HEALTH

LEISURE CLASSES ACTIVE ADULTS 344 335 48 41 $ Participants: 48,904 Memberships: 5,667 Meals served: 213,717 $5,728,036 $22,012,573 FITNESS: $48,197,387 Memberships: 6,447 PARKS PARKS $50,150,462 RECREATION RECREATION STRATEGIC SUPPORT STRATEGIC SUPPORT CAPITAL PROJECTS CAPITAL PROJECTS PLACES FISCAL PERFORMANCE | Fiscal Year 18-19 NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY GARDENS

$100m CENTERS Gardeners: 977 EXPENSE Participants: 20,101 REVENUE

$80m Fiscal Year 18-19: 35.3% COST RECOVERY FUN 0

$91,007,327 PICNIC RESERVATIONS AQUATICS PROGRAM $60 m Lesson participants: 2,566 $85,811,592 Booked: 2,127

$78,810,16 Rec. swim participants: 8,635

$40m LAKE CUNNINGHAM FAMILY CAMP DEPARTMENT REVENUE ACTION SPORTS PARK AT YOSEMITE

1 $ Program Fees $21,966,671 Visitors: 21,036 Campers: 5,698 Construction &

$20 m $ Conveyance Tax $5,784,613 HAPPY HOLLOW SUMMER CAMPS $

$32,111,558 Grants $4,666,782 PARK & ZOO Participants: 15,723 $30,078,782 $31,307,73 FISCAL Admissions: 488,067 16-17 17-18 18-19 YEAR: Memberships: 32,641 OPERATING & CAPITAL FUNDS: $307,663,198 SERVICE CAPITAL FUNDS OPERATING FUNDS

CAPITAL PRNS PARK VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY CENTER IMPROVEMENT OPERATIONS PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS: PROGRAM Events: 181 Events: 122 $203,171,175 $126,088,458 Volunteers: 6,269 Volunteers: 1,130 Hours: 29,406 Hours: 112,276 2019 SCHOLARSHIPS ANTI-LITTER/GRAFFITI GRANTS TOTAL TOTAL VOLUNTEERS: Grantees: 137 NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIP Volunteers: 19,399 SCHOLARSHIPS AMOUNT USED Hours: 53,159 10,737 $1,165,973 Moving Forward Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services The department will focus on implementing the ActivateSJ benchmarks, the roadmap to providing a Executive Staff park and recreation system befitting the 10ʰ largest city in the nation. The five guiding principles of the Director Jon Cicirelli strategic plan act as building blocks, beginning with stewardship and nature; followed by equity & access Assistant Director Neil Rufino and identity, and culminating in public life. Deputy Director We take care of what we have and invest for Nicolle Burnham the future. This past year, the sale of the city-owned Community Facilities Development Coleman property provided $18 million to replace Acting Deputy Avi Yotam the grass fields at PAL Stadium and Ramac Park Director Parks Division with durable, synthetic athletic fields, along with increased integrated pest management to keep our Acting Deputy Andrea Flores Shelton natural fields safer and playable. With these funds, Director Recreation and Neighborhood we will also make improvements to our neighborhood Services Division centers, repair more playgrounds and continue funding the Parks Rehabilitation Strike Team whose goal is to restore parks and amenities. Our priority remains the reduction of the infrastructure backlog, so we can better maintain City Council and repair parks, sports fields, playgrounds, and community centers; reinvest in our Park Ranger Mayor Sam Liccardo program; protect natural areas; clean graffiti and litter; District 1 Vice Mayor Charles "Chappie" Jones provide programs to keep our seniors healthy and District 2 Sergio Jimenez active and youth safe and out of gangs. We recognize District 3 Raul Peralez there is more to be done, and we will seek a diverse District 4 Lan Diep set of funding sources to augment the City’s general District 5 fund which we depend on. In addition to the one-time Magdalena Carrasco Coleman sale funds, we will evaluate the Park Fee District 6 Devora "Dev" Davis Program to refine fees on residential and possibly District 7 Maya Esparza commercial development. District 8 Sylvia Arenas We aim to be a premier park system and protect, District 9 Pam Foley preserve and promote natural areas. With the re- District 10 Johnny Khamis opening of the beloved Japanese Friendship Garden City Manager Dave Sykes Tea House in 2020, most facilities affected by the 2017 flood will have been repaired or reconstructed. Arcadia Ballfields, one of the premier softball complexes in the Bay Area and a Measure P funded facility, will open to the public in the spring. With Contributors: several 10- and 15-year anniversaries of Measure P funded community centers, we look forward to Writers: celebrating these investments in our public assets Brianna Guillory, David Ngo, and people. Dylan Kuhlmann, Valerie Brunt, Vivian Truong The new decade brings opportunities and we Editors: are looking forward to partnering with you for an Carolina Camarena, Daniel Lazo, active San José. Ed Bautista Layout & Design: Steven Quintero

Park goers enjoying McLaughlin Park with various activities brought by Viva Parks. Graphic simulations of proposed Pellier Park coming to downtown San José.

SUPPORT YOUR PARKS, TRAILS & CENTERS

PRNS provides over 1,000,000 residents with opportunities to maintain healthy, active and social lifestyles. We maintain over 200 parks, 3,537 acres of parkland, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and more than 50 community centers. You can help support and improve the quality of life for your neighbors and fellow San Joseans. Consider a time or financial contribution. For more information, email [email protected].

OUR FOUNDATIONS

PRNS foundations and friends provide time and resources to keep our programs invigorated. Their tireless commitment benefits all San José residents. Learn more at sanjoseca.gov/prnspartners.

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