November 5, 2004

Neighborhood leaders celebrate Meadowfair Park Phase II groundbreaking

Following five years of planning and hard work, the West Evergreen community joined Councilmember David Cortese, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services and the San Jose Redevelopment Agency (SJRA) on Saturday, Oct. 23 to break ground on the Phase II expansion of Meadowfair Park.

Located on Barberry Lane off King Road, behind LeyVa Middle School, the park is a top priority identified by the West Evergreen Strong Neighborhoods Initiative (SNI) neighborhood improvement plan.

Neighbors from West Evergreen joined Councilmember Dave Cortese for a groundbreaking ceremony for Phase II of Meadowfair Park.

“The expansion of Meadowfair Park is tremendously needed by the West Evergreen Neighborhood, and I couldn’t be happier that it is finally coming to fruition,” said District 8 Councilmember Dave Cortese. “Hopefully this is one of many great assets to come to this area, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the residents,” he added.

“Meadowfair Park is a small stepping stone in our West Evergreen SNI vision,” said Khanh Nguyen, SNI Neighborhood Advisory Committee member. “Our first priority is open space. In addition to the Meadowfair park expansion, we look forward to a new community center and sports facilities.”

The first phase of park improvements, completed in 1998, included a large turf area, picnic area, tot lot, walkways, tennis courts, security lighting and landscaping.

“SNI has changed the way the city does business,” Nguyen added. “The city listens to residents, has them as key stakeholders and is being responsive to our needs.”

Phase II of the Meadowfair Park expansion is a continuation of the 8.4 acre park improvements. The expansion adds a youth play lot, asphalt game court and expanded picnic areas to the park.

“This project is an example of how the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative works best. Residents work directly with the city to define what they need and the best way to deliver the result,” said Harry Mavrogenes, interim executive director for the San Jose Redevelopment Agency.

“Improving the quality of life in SNI neighborhoods is a priority for us. We are pleased to get started on these improvements for the West Evergreen Neighborhood,” he added.

The park will improve pedestrian access between the residential area, the park and the adjacent LeyVa Middle School.

The intersection at King Road and Barberry Lane was recently improved. Sidewalks and a trail from LeyVa Middle School to King Road on the north side of Barberry Lane were installed. Both were top neighborhood priorities and help create a pedestrian oriented community.

This $762,802 project was funded by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services, the District 8 Construction and Conveyance Tax Fund and Park Trust Fund and the San Jose Redevelopment Agency.