Published in the November 11-24, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
Kathy Sullivan
Morgan Hill residents during the 2016 holiday season will receive a wonderful gift to enjoy — the opportunities to commune with nature at three brand-new downtown area parks. The Morgan Hill City Council followed the recommendations of staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission and gave the green light for the projects Oct. 21. Each park will be built on city-owned property and will include unique features for families other residents and visitors to enjoy.
The Depot Park will be located next to the Depot Street Caltrain station in what is now a parking lot near Jonty’s Vietnamese Eatery on the east end of Third Street. This park promises to be one of the most active of the three sites. It will feature kid-friendly playground items including climbing boulders and a giant wood xylophone along with other unusual equipment.
Because the sound of happy children’s voices are likely to be heard as they enjoy the park, city staff designated it to be near more downtown retail areas. The city also plans the installation of a public bathroom near this park — a welcome relief for parents with little ones.
The second park, presently referred to as the Little Llagas Creek Park, takes advantage of being at the western end of Third Street on the base of Nob Hill in an area behind Ladera Grill. This track of land is shaded with oak trees and will be a more contemplative and peaceful area for visitors.
The city’s vision is to use educational interpretive panels to teach about native flora and ecology. Wi-Fi rechargers will also be available for those who like their reverie mixed in with a little technology.
Even though the creek running through it is presently dry, there might hopefully be a future with the sound of a running water to add to the serenity. A walkway is planned to connect it to the trail leading to the third downtown park.
Hilltop Park is the third offering on city-owned land around the water tank on Nob Hill. There is now a gated utility road at this location, and this will be converted into a walking trail. This will go over the hill and end at Fifth Street and Del Monte Avenue. On reaching the top of the hill, visitors will enjoy a spectacular view of the valley and downtown.
Plans call for this site to include par course equipment such as pull-up bars, sit-up stations and balance beams with instructional signage. One exciting portion of the blueprints calls for a giant slide to be installed using the natural curve of the hillside.
Chris Ghione, Morgan Hill’s community service director, has been involved in these park projects since their inception in 2012. He served on the team that reached out to the community for input and he has personally communicated to the family homes in the surrounding park areas.
The projects are expected to begin in the summer of 2016 in either a staggered or joined start, and last about six months. Due to their location, little disruption is anticipated to the downtown.
The parks will enhance the natural environment of our community.
As the poet William Wordsworth said, “Come forth into the light of things. Let Nature be your teacher.”
Kathy Sullivan is a board member of the Morgan Hill Downtown Association. She wrote this column for Morgan Hill Life.
