Cupertino Courier

City seeks more community input on Memorial Park revitaliza­tion

Cupertino residents asked to rate three concepts in survey

- By Anne Gelhaus agelhaus@bayareanew­sgroup.com

As the revitaliza­tion of Memorial Park continues, Cupertino residents are being asked whether they want the space to focus on civic events or community gatherings, or whether they want the park to be, well, a park with a focus on nature.

The city is presenting these three concepts in an online survey, available through Feb. 22. The survey is part of phase 4 of a six-phase project to develop the Memorial Park Specific Plan. The concepts were developed after initial community outreach efforts last fall. Survey participan­ts will be asked about their likes and dislikes of each concept.

Residents can learn more about the three concepts on the table at an open house at the Cupertino Senior Center, 21251 Stevens Creek Blvd., on Saturday 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., and a community webinar on Thursday at 7 p.m.

The revitaliza­tion of the 22acre park, located at 21121 Stevens Creek Blvd., is part of the city's Parks and Recreation System Master Plan, adopted in 2020. The stated goal of the project is “to achieve a balance between the built and natural environmen­ts” in the park.

To achieve this balance, the master plan's priorities include restoring and preserving natural habitat, maximizing shade and creating walkways and bikeways that further connectivi­ty. The plan also aims to “provide environmen­ts that foster social cohesivene­ss and diverse activities for all ages and abilities.”

Memorial Park includes a lawn area, a gazebo, an amphitheat­er, a lighted softball field and six

lighted tennis courts. The park houses the Cupertino Veterans Memorial honoring local veterans. The city is already working on two renovation projects at the park: removal of the ponds and technical improvemen­ts at the amphitheat­er. The ponds at the site have been drained since 2015 and are in the process of being

removed. The scope of work at the amphitheat­er is still being defined.

Several elements of Memorial Park are outside the scope of the revitaliza­tion plans, including the gazebo, the veterans memorial, parking lots and trees.

The nearby senior center and Quinlan Community Center are

also not part of the Memorial Park Specific Plan.

To take the survey, visit https://engagecupe­rtino.org/memorial-park-specific-plan.

Register for the webinar at https://cityofcupe­rtino. zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_OEOIYXT7T3­MACHXGSGBP­YA.

 ?? PHOTO BY SHELDON HAMBRICK ?? A Taiko group performs at last year's Cherry Blossom Festival, held at Cupertino's Memorial Park. Cupertino residents are being asked to weigh in on three concepts for the park's revitaliza­tion.
PHOTO BY SHELDON HAMBRICK A Taiko group performs at last year's Cherry Blossom Festival, held at Cupertino's Memorial Park. Cupertino residents are being asked to weigh in on three concepts for the park's revitaliza­tion.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States