Photograph by George Sakkestad
Corey Bowers, 6, views the protected marshlands at Sunnyvale Baylands County Park. Wildlife is abundant at the park, located in the northeast corner of town.
By PATRICIA M. GRAY
A stunning blend of natural and manmade structures makes Sunnyvale Baylands County Park a picturesque experience. The park offers more than 70 acres of recreation area, pathways, picnic sites and seasonal wetlands preserve.
There are almost four miles of trails reaching the marshes. "[The park] is a chance to get away from the industrial side of town," said Bill Ingram, who works in Sunnyvale. Excellent views of the Guadalupe Slough, East Bay mountain range, Mount Hamilton and the Santa Cruz Mountains can be enjoyed from most pathways.
Opened in 1994, the park is in its fourth season. "Right now is the best time of the year," Park Supervisor Julie Oliver said. "The wetlands are flooded, so there is a lot of wildlife; particularly the birds can be seen from the pathways. It's a good time to relax and see what's out here."
One hundred acres of protected seasonal wetlands adjacent to the developed parkland provide habitat for many plants and animals. "The park is really open ... and [has] lots of species of birds," said Kevin Kasenchak, an administrative assistant for Digital Equipment Corporation in Sunnyvale. The burrowing owl and the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse are a few of the animals making their home at Baylands. As the seasons change, so do the inhabitants. Ducks, hawks, shorebirds and other species migrate to the park.
The pathways are bordered by ornamental grasses used as an alternative to turf. "I like the dirt paths," said Donna West, who walks and jogs frequently in the park. "It's easy on your knees and [look at] the wilderness."
Indian grass, a clumping grass which turns from green to a showy reddish purple, trails bands of mosquito grass and blue wild rye with distinctive blue-gray foliage all swaying gently with the breeze. The effect creates an impression of rolling waves.
The seasonal wetlands are covered with surface water during the rainy season but are dry during warmer months. "In the future, a boardwalk will be constructed," Oliver said. "It will give people an appreciation of the seasonal wetlands and give them an opportunity to be out in the wetlands without damaging them."
The wetlands act as water filtering systems and as a source of water for wildlife.
Younger park visitors can use playground equipment, find fossil imprints in the archeological dig, follow dinosaur tracks across a dry stream bed and view turtles sunning on rocks.
"This park is a halfway meeting point for us. It's convenient, since my friend lives in San Jose and I live in Livermore," said Myrium Kadlez, a mother of three children who visits Baylands. "The playground is good for the kids. My friend said she likes the equipment, and [Sunnyvale] is a nice area."
The park has an amphitheater used for all kinds of special events. "The city's Fourth of July celebration will be held here for the second time," Oliver said. "It's a great time for families to come out. We usually have really great weather, games, and a lot of enjoyment." Extensive picnic facilities are designed for small and large groups. "It's close to work and nice to get away. It's quiet," said Dena Chesler and Dean Turiello, Sunnyvale workers on a lunch picnic. "Sitting in the lunchroom isn't going to cut it," Kasenchak said.
Groups can reserve sites for picnics in May through October and on weekends in April.
For more information and reservations, call 730-7709 or visit the park's Web site at www.ci.sunnyvale.ca.us/baylands.
Baylands Family Adventure
The Santa Clara Valley Water District will conduct a morning of nature walks and hands-on activities April 19 pertaining to the native environment of the Baylands Park area. The fee for Sunnyvale residents is $45 per family. For more information call 730-7350.
This article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun, April 9, 1997.
©1997 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.