Protect Our Parks – Parkland Definition

Take 30 seconds to use the form below to tell the San Jose City Council to Protect Our Parks

The San Jose City Council will consider the definition of parkland. Use the form below to ask the Council to ensure that the definition of parkland fully protects existing, under construction, and planned parks in the City of San José.

Parks are important to the residents of San José across the city. Rich or poor, young or old, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or ability: parks are important to us all – for our physical health, our mental health, and the health of the community.

The City Charter states “the public parks of the City shall be inalienable unless otherwise authorized by the affirmative votes of the majority of the electors voting on such a proposition in each case.” Further, the Charter states “[a]s used herein ‘public parks’ means any and all lands of the City which have been or are dedicated, improved and opened to the public for public park purposes.” Additionally, the staff’s memo (https://www.sanjoseca.gov/home/showdocument?id=108319&t=638406648249390275) notes: “Opened to the public for public park purposes means that the public can access the park and enjoy the space. In other words, the City has made the space useable and safe for the public to use. This also includes open space in its natural condition with minimal or no improvements that are intended to be opened to the public.”

Use the form to automatically send an email to: Urge the Council to ensure parks are protected in their entirety. Whether “improved” parks, or unimproved parks that focus public access on contemplative, passive enjoyment of the natural environment and its biological resources. Urge the Council to push for precise and expansive language to provide the maximum protection of our park lands. Urge the Council to recommend that the City take steps to ensure the protection of planned or under-construction parks. Lastly, request that staff include a full list of the recognized Chartered Parks in the report, and in a maintained online directory, for public transparency. Protect Our Parks.

You will be able to add a personal comment if you prefer. The text of the email is below the form. You will receive a confirmation email.

    YOUR INFORMATION

    1. Required: Your First and Last Name

    2. Required: Your Email Address

    3. Required: Your Street or Cross Street. Do not list your City. Do not list your State.

    4. Required: Your Zip Code

    5. Required:

    6. Optional: Please list any additional comments you'd like included as the second paragraph of your online petition.

    TEXT OF YOUR EMAIL

    Subject line: [your-name] [your-zip] – Protect Our Parks: Definition of Chartered Parkland

    Dear San Jose City Council,

    Protect Our Parks. We ask you to ensure that the definition of parkland fully protects existing, under construction, and planned parks in the City of San José.

    [your-message]

    Parks are important to the residents of San José across the city. Rich or poor, young or old, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or ability: parks are important to us all – for our physical health, our mental health, and the health of the community.

    The City Charter states “the public parks of the City shall be inalienable unless otherwise authorized by the affirmative votes of the majority of the electors voting on such a proposition in each case.” Further, the Charter states “[a]s used herein ‘public parks’ means any and all lands of the City which have been or are dedicated, improved and opened to the public for public park purposes.” Additionally, the staff’s memo (https://www.sanjoseca.gov/home/showdocument?id=108319&t=638406648249390275) notes:
    “Opened to the public for public park purposes means that the public can access the park and enjoy the space. In other words, the City has made the space useable and safe for the public to use. This also includes open space in its natural condition with minimal or no improvements that are intended to be opened to the public.”

    I urge the Council to ensure parks are protected in their entirety. Whether “improved” parks, or unimproved parks that focus public access on contemplative, passive enjoyment of the natural environment and its biological resources. I urge the Council to push for precise and expansive language to provide the maximum protection of our park lands. I also urge the Council to recommend that the City take steps to ensure the protection of planned or under-construction parks. In addition, I request that staff include a full list of the recognized Chartered Parks in the report, and in a maintained online directory, for public transparency.

    Protect Our Parks.

    Sincerely,
    [your-name]
    [your-zip]

    You may not use my contact information for any purpose other than to respond to my concern regarding the topic listed above, nor may you share my address with any other organization(s) or individual(s).

    —
    This mail was sent on behalf of a San Jose resident via San Jose United
    https://www.sanjoseunited.net
    Community Working Together