“Hike the Hundred” is a new scavenger hunt challenge

By Staff Report

From a modest 400-acre acquisition near Cupertino in 1924 to a sprawling 52,000-acre haven of natural wonders in 2024, the Santa Clara County Parks system has been a testament to the foresight and dedication of its founders.

As the county marks its 100th anniversary of preserving parklands, the Parks and Recreation Department is unveiling a series of new programs and initiatives that pay homage to the past while embracing the future.

Supervisor Susan Ellenberg, president of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, expressed her appreciation for the parks’ longevity. “I take great comfort knowing parks like Stevens Creek will be here for generations,” she said in a press release.

As part of the centennial celebration, the department introduced the “Hike the Hundred” challenge, a self-guided scavenger hunt-style exploration adventure featuring 13 unique hikes across different county parks.

Supervisor Joe Simitian emphasized the importance of the challenge, saying, “Our Hike the Hundred challenge encourages folks to get out into our great open spaces and connect with the land we value so much.”

In honor of the county’s centennial and Earth Day, the department is expanding the Tree Steward Volunteer Program by committing to plant more than 100 trees across various county parks.

Don Rocha, director of Santa Clara County Parks, highlighted the significance of this initiative. “As we commemorate 100 years, planting these trees symbolizes our ongoing effort to preserve and protect our natural habitats, ensuring they thrive for future generations to enjoy,” he said.

This summer will also see the introduction of the Boating Safety Festival at Stevens Creek County Park. The event, called “There’s Something in the Water,” aims to raise awareness about invasive mussel prevention and promote safe and responsible boating practices. Rocha emphasized the importance of the event, saying, “Educating our community about invasive species is key to protecting our waterways for years to come.”

The Board of Supervisors established the Department of Parks and Recreation in 1956, tasking it with developing a first-class system of parks and comprehensive recreational opportunities. Today, it is one of California’s largest and most diverse. Its 28 parks span more than 52,000 acres.

Santa Clara County’s first parkland, a 400-acre parcel near Cupertino that eventually became Stevens Creek County Park, was purchased Jan. 24, 1924. Along Hecker Pass west of Gilroy, Mount Madonna County Park was acquired in 1927.

A major expansion with numerous additional parks became possible in the 1970s with the availability of state funds and voter-approved tax set asides. In 1972, a Master Plan was adopted, calling for major regional parks throughout the area and recreational corridors along creeks. In 1995, the county adopted a Master Plan for trails, emphasizing connections between park trails and trails of other agencies.

Among the notable parks, Almaden Quicksilver County Park is a former site of the New Almaden mercury mine, purchased in 1976. The historic Casa Grande was converted into the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum in 1978.

Among South Valley county parks, visitors enjoy Anderson Lake, Calero, Chesbro Reservoir, Chitactac-Adams, Coyote Creek Parkway, and Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch, and Uvas Canyon.