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City Beat
Refurbished park is still almost one year away for Canoas
Construction is set to begin in spring of 2001 and last about 6 months
By Chantal Lamers
Neighbors of Canoas Park have long awaited the remodeling of their community park. Following nearly two years of neighborhood association meetings, plus community meetings with San Jose city officials, the refurbished park is still about a year away from becoming reality.
About 20 neighbors met with city officials to discuss plans for the Thrush Drive park on Aug. 22.
City officials expect construction to begin on the park in spring 2001 and finish about six months later.
When city officials first met with Canoas Park neighbors, several residents said they would like a sand volleyball court built.
Michael LaRocca, project manager for San Jose Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, says the budget to rebuilt the park was originally $100,000. But after residents passionately requested the volleyball court, staff from District 6 Councilman Frank Fiscalini's office were able to boost the budget to about $130,000.
Bill Aaron, president of the Canoas Garden Neighborhood Association says it's important to have volleyball courts at the park so adults have a place to interact. "I'm excited to think there will be something like a volleyball court so we can have neighborhood tournaments," he said.
However, LaRocca says it's important the playground get remodeled. He says the driving factors to remodel the playground are to make it meet current safety standards and make it accessible to children with disabilities. LaRocca says the playground doesn't meet safety regulations.
He also says that sand is no longer considered to be accessible to children with disabilities. The sand will be replaced with a material called "fibar." The accessible, shaved hard wood chip is a product used on many new school and park playgrounds, city officials say.
The new playground will be tan, green and blue. It will feature slides, stairs, bridges and enclosed forts. The playground also will feature new children and toddler-sized swings. Three plastic turtles and spring bouncers will remain on the playground.
City officials say that about 16 new trees will be planted to meet neighbors' requests that the park have more shade. About five sick trees will be removed from the park grounds.
In addition to trees, the park's water fountains will be upgraded. LaRocca says three additional picnic tables will be incorporated along with new benches and barbecue units.
LaRocca says he's leaving the decision about whether the volleyball court will be sand or turf up to neighbors.
LaRocca says a turf volleyball court would be cheaper, and may allow neighbors to install additional items such as horseshoe pits.
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
