News!

Measure Q Urban Open Space Grants Awarded Exceed $1.5 million

The Board of Directors for the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority has awarded $1,553,077 in the initial grant cycle for the Measure Q Urban Open Space competitive grant program. Fifteen organizations serving Santa Clara County residents, including nonprofits, schools, cities and the County, received grant funds for community gardens, outdoor leaders training, environmental education, homeless stream stewards, sustainable food systems and more. The $1.5 million in grant awards leverages more than $1.1 million in matching funds from the grantee organizations for total urban open space investment of more than $2.6 million.

Urban Open Space Grant Program to Fund Outdoor Projects

The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority is pleased to introduce a new grant program designed to connect more people throughout its jurisdiction with the many benefits of nature. This competitive annual grant program is funded by Measure Q and will provide funding for projects in one or more of these categories:

Community Assessment Identifies Six Neighborhoods with Significant Barriers to Open Space Access

The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority has released its Understanding Our Community assessment, which details barriers that prevent residents in its jurisdiction from going outdoors to enjoy nature and reaping its health and other benefits. The report identifies six neighborhoods where a greater concentration of barriers exists and deeper engagement is warranted to help ensure equitable access to parks and open space lands. Resident feedback at recent community meetings also helped to identify high priority open space and park needs in Santa Clara County.

Open Space Authority Grants Funds to City of Santa Clara for Urban Open Space and Community Garden

Open Space Authority Awards Inaugural Measure Q Funds to Connect Children to Nature

The Open Space Authority Board of Directors has authorized the first Measure Q investment, which was awarded to Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, through the Authority’s Urban Open Space program. The investment will help support the Museum’s project:Bridge to Nature: Bill’s Backyard, which is designed to provide urban children with a safe and welcoming introduction to the natural world. Bridge to Nature will be located on the Museum’s campus, adjacent to the Guadalupe River and bordered by low-income, inner city neighborhoods.