Foster a deeper connection between the community and cherished outdoor spaces

Photo courtesy Sergio Covarrubias
Zoe Gonzalez with office Sergio Pires and K9 Basco.

By Robert Airoldi

Robert Airoldi

You still have a few days to plan and enjoy Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation special Free Entrance Day July 29 “as a token of gratitude to the community for entrusting the department with the stewardship and recreation of more than 52,000 acres of beautiful parkland and 28 adventurous and unique parks,” according to a press release from county parks. On July 29, visitors can explore nature without any entrance fees at county parks, fostering a deeper connection between the community and their cherished outdoor spaces.

“By opening fee-based county park gates at no cost, we aim to remove any barriers that may prevent individuals and families from experiencing all that County Parks provide,” said Don Rocha, executive park director.

Whether it’s hiking along scenic trails, picnicking in picturesque surroundings or engaging in various recreational activities, the free entrance day offers an opportunity for all to create a memorable day while connecting with nature.

The annual firefighter fundraiser Fill the Boot was a fantastic success, Herb Alpers, a fire captain with the Morgan Hill Fire Department, told us.

“I just wanted to take a moment to say a hearty thank you to all of the citizens that came out to help support our Fill the Boot dive a couple weeks ago,” he said.

The collection benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The hard work of the firefighters, and amazing generosity of the citizens raised $41,179.67.

It never surprises me how generous our community is.

Photo by Marty Cheek
A family takes a picture with Morgan Hill police officer Katrina Olson during the Aug. 3, 2022 National Night Out.

Spend a fun summer evening with family, friends, and neighbors at Morgan Hill’s annual National Night Out from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Civic Center Plaza, 17575 Peak Ave.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships. Meet police officers, dispatchers, and police personnel, including K-9 Basco. See police, fire, and public works vehicles on display. Enjoy kids’ activities and visit the informational tables from the city’s departments and community partners.

For those who have gotten the pickleball bug, the nation’s latest craze, there’s some good news. Four new courts will be installed at Community Park before the end of the year. They will add to the three temporary courts installed last summer at the park along with the three indoor courts already established at the Centennial Recreation Center.

Chris Ghione, the Community Services Director for the city, said there has been a big demand for more pickleball courts.

He said the city decided to install the temporary pickleball courts on the basketball courts as a matter of practicality and to help avoid conflicts. From sunrise to 2 p.m., the courts at Community Park are used for pickleball. From 2 p.m. to closing, the courts are used for basketball.

Local enthusiasts Tim Hendrick, Sherry Hemingway, Leo Kirshon, Susan Brazelton and George Witzel formed the Morgan Hill Pickleball Club that is now sanctioned through the city’s recreation center and aims to promote the sport, organize events, and fundraise and advocate for sport’s expansion.

In other sports news, for the first time in five years, the Gavilan College men’s soccer team will be back on the pitch.

The Rams last fielded a team in 2018, when they finished 7-12-1 overall and 3-9 in the Coast Conference South Division. The program disbanded the following year and was dormant until the college decided to bring back both men’s and women’s soccer for the 2023 season.

The men’s team will be led by Josue Salgado, who played for the team in the 2013 and 2014 seasons. He also coaches the Christopher High School boys team.

Good luck, Coach!