Park Connection Expands Open Space Opportunities

SAN JOSE – The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved the purchase of a 47-acre property that will allow the Parks and Recreation Department to build a trail connecting Santa Teresa and Calero County Parks. The $8.5 million purchase will not only connect the two heavily used parks but could potentially expand parking and enhance pedestrian and equestrian safety.

The proposed trail at Fortini and McKean Roads will extend from Santa Teresa’s Stile Ranch trail to Calero’s Lisa Killough trail, allowing hikers, cyclists, and equestrians to connect to nearly 30 miles of existing trails and bikeways throughout the two County parks.

“This is an exciting opportunity,” said County Supervisor Joe Simitian, in whose district the property is located. “Not only do we now have the possibility for residents to enjoy twice the park space, but with the purchase of this property we also have an opportunity to address parking challenges and pedestrian and equestrian safety.”

Insufficient parking at the two parks is a consistent issue; vehicles often park illegally on nearby roads, causing complaints from neighbors. There are no parking options for horse trailers at Stiles Ranch, and very little trailer parking at Rancho San Vicente, which means equestrians and cyclists often cross McKean Road without a designated road crossing, which can be unsafe as vehicles often exceed the posted 45 mph speed limit.

The acquisition of this property could provide an expanded visitor staging area and a safe trail across McKean Road. “The connection in and of itself is wonderful,” said Simitian, “but the potential improvements over time are really an added bonus.”

###