January 31, 2008

New play areas coming soon

Almaden Lake Park receives facelift

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Staff Writer

If you’ve visited Almaden Lake Park recently, you will have noticed that both the west and east side play areas are construction zones.

Turtles await the completion of the west side children’s play area, which includes a water play feature, wash-down area, landscaping and irrigation. Photos by Jeanne C. Carbone

Actually, the construction is Phase 2 of the project, which was part of the $228 million Measure P Parks Bond Measure. The bond funding for the Almaden Lake Park is $2.627 million split in to two phases.

“The Almaden Lake Phase 2 project is about 80 percent completed at this time,” said Kathi Forman, San Jose Public Works director’s office information and communications manager. “We’re hoping for an opening day in March but a lot depends on the weather.”

Phase 1, completed in April of 2005 consisted of new sheltered group picnic areas, four all weather bocce ball courts and landscaping and irrigation on the park’s east side, with a total cost of $1,277,000.

The $914,000 Phase 2 was awarded in April 2007. It consists of a new terraced lawn area with a shade structure adjacent to the bocce courts on the east side, which is designed for park programs. There’s also a new children’s play area that includes a water-play feature, wash down area, landscaping and irrigation on the west side. Completion is planned for this spring.

Almaden Lake Park is the only Santa Clara County Park featuring a sand beach and swim area in the South Bay. Visitors may relax and enjoy the recreational opportunities to fish or boat [electric motors only] on 32 acres of lake or to hike and bike in the 65-acre facility.

The city features this artistic rendering of the new terraced lawn area adjacent to the bocce courts on the east side of Almaden Lake Park. Courtesy of the Public Works Department

Others can enjoy picnics, play volleyball, toss horseshoes and using bocce ball courts. These are available on a first come basis and patrons need to provide their own equipment.

The east side of Almaden Lake Pak runs parallel to Winfield Boulevard and the west side runs along Almaden Expressway. Dogs are not allowed on the west side because it is considered a wildlife sanctuary and the swimming and beach area must remain clean.

Dogs are welcome on the east side of the park but must remain on a leash and under control at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their canines.

A snack bar is available and offers beverages and light foods for visitors. Pedal boats and life jackets are available from the concession stand. In addition, there are large green open lawns and picnic areas with barbecue pits. Tot lots are located on both sides of the park. The east side tot lot features a water play area.

Almaden Lake Park is open to the public from 8 a.m. until one-half hour after sunset. All vessels must be out of the water one hour before sunset.