May 22, 2008

Cool and wet

Almaden Lake Park’s upgraded amenities whet San Jose residents’ appetites

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Staff Writer

It was an unusual opening for one of San Jose’s crown jewels. Instead of the usual city ribbon cutting, San Jose officially celebrated Almaden Lake Park’s Phase II grand opening by the turning on the water jet spray area to the delight of kids of all ages, especially on a hot Saturday.

Instead of the usual city ribbon cutting, Almaden Lake Park’s Phase II grand opening is celebrated by turning on the water jet spray area to the delight of kids of all ages. Photos by Jeanne C. Carbone

The recent completion of Phase II Bond Improvements has only added to the scenic recreation area of Almaden Lake Park.

“It’s hard to believe that the master plan for Almaden Lake Park was drafted all the way back in 1982,” said District 10 Councilmember Nancy Pyle. “Since then, your voice and your vote have made all of these bond improvements possible.”

Pyle was joined at the Almaden Lake Park grand opening on May 17 by Mayor Chuck Reed, Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Park Manager Art Rosales, Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Melanie Richardson, Public Works Director Katy Allen and other San Jose city staff and residents. Almaden Library Branch Manager Pam Crider and staff attended the event as well providing arts and crafts for the younger attendees.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to see the improvements of the park,” said Crider. “And like our library, it is another wonderful facility for our community.”

Phase II of the Almaden Lake Park improvements on the east side of the park include a new internal trail connection along the perimeter, a public assembly area for up to 80 people and an improved playground. The area also contains a terraced lawn for erosion control, as well as seating and a shaded viewing platform.

“We wanted to enhance the area and our goal is complete,” said Rosales, who led a walking tour of the improvements before the official grand opening. He envisions meetings and weddings at the new outdoor amphitheater and covered patio area.

Improvements to the west side of the park include a fenced playground area for preschool- and elementary-aged children, a water jet spray area complete with a dragon, shade trees, a seating area, a service path and renovation of three-quarter acres of turf with a new irrigation system. The budget totaled $914,500 designated from the City Parks Bond Measure.

Phase I, completed in April of 2005, consisted of new sheltered group picnic area, four all-weather bocce ball courts and landscaping and irrigation on the park’s east side, at a total cost of $1,277,000.

Almaden Lake Park is the only San Jose park featuring a sand beach and swim area in the South Bay. Visitors can relax and enjoy the recreational opportunities to fish or boat [electric motors only] on 32 acres of lake or hike and bike in the 65-acre facility. Or they can have picnics, or play volleyball, horseshoes or bocce ball. These are available on a first-come basis and patrons need to provide their own equipment.

The east side of Almaden Lake Pak runs parallel to Winfield Boulevard and the west side runs along Almaden Expressway. Dogs are not allowed on the west side because it is considered a wildlife sanctuary and the swimming and beach area must remain clean. Leashed dogs are welcome on the east side of the park. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their canines.

The park offers a snack bar with beverages and light foods for visitors. Pedal boats and life jackets are available from the concession stand. In addition, there are large green open lawns and picnic areas with barbecue pits. Tot lots are located on both sides of the park as well as water play areas.

“I walk Almaden Lake Park every morning for 40 minutes,” said Almaden resident Dorothy Courtney. “It is absolutely beautiful and a perfect walk.”

Almaden Lake Park is open to the public from 8 a.m. until one-half hour after sunset. All vessels must be out of the water one hour before sunset.