Dear Editor,
Questions have been recently asked about the future of Las
Animas Veterans Park and the empty pond. This is one of two large
community parks with numerous park facilities.
Dear Editor,
Questions have been recently asked about the future of Las Animas Veterans Park and the empty pond. This is one of two large community parks with numerous park facilities. The park pond feature has been empty for many years and is scheduled to be eliminated for two major reasons.
First, city water use policies changed during past drought years and maintaining the park water feature with city water is prohibited. Second, 90 percent of the watershed that filled the park pond during the winter has been diverted. The Santa Clara Valley Water District storm water protection channel constructed across north Gilroy from Santa Teresa Boulevard to U.S. 101 is diverting storm water that previously filled the park pond.
Two, city actions are planned that will help eliminate the empty park pond condition. Next year soil removed for the soon-to-be-constructed sports park will be used to fill in most of the empty pond areas; however, the small storm water channel will be maintained through the park.
Also starting early next year a major update and re-design of the park master plan is scheduled. This park re-design project will evaluate all existing park features and facilities and community park needs. After multiple community input opportunities, the updated Las Animas Veterans Park Master Plan will be submitted to the City Council for approval of future park changes and improvements.
Any resident interested in attending future public park planning meetings should watch for park meeting notices in local newspapers, on the city Internet Web site, and cable TV channel 17. You can also contact the Gilroy Engineering Division at 846-0450, and request to be placed on the park master plan notification list for Las Animas Veterans Park.
Bill Headley, Gilroy Facilities and Parks Development Manager
