News!

Seniors: Join us to Hike for Health!

The Authority is featuring a Seniors Hike for Health series, which encourages seniors to get outdoors and work on mobility to stay healthy. These gentle walks got off to a fantastic start in April, with great weather and attendance!

Measure Q Urban Open Space Corner - April 2018

Each month we are sharing updates from our 2016-2017 Measure Q Urban Open Space program grantees. Learn more about the work they are doing in the community here.

Measure Q Urban Open Space Corner - March 2018

As we head into spring, the Open Space Authority continues to work diligently with the 2016-2017 Measure Q Urban Open Space grantees as they launch their projects. Take a look at some of the recent ones below.

Open Space Authority Approves Measure Q Environmental Education Grant Program

San Jose, CA - December 18, 2017: The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority's Board of Directors approved a new Measure Q Environmental Education Grant Program designed to advance environmental literacy and nature-oriented experiences for children, adults, and families free of charge. This competitive grant program is funded by Measure Q, a voter-approved Open Space funding measure and invites proposals for nature and science-based environmental education programs and youth engagement projects in one or more of these categories:

Urban Open Space Nature Hub Opens - Bill's Backyard: Bridge to Nature

On October 29, a brand new way to experience nature opened in the heart of downtown San Jose.  The Children’s Discovery Museum launched Bill’s Backyard: Bridge to Nature, a half acre outdoor play space that gives kids the chance to explore the outdoors by climbing, building, digging and get their hands dirty in a safe and authentic way.

Open Space Authority Kicks Off Second Annual Measure Q Urban Open Space Grant Program

Open Space Authority Kicks Off Second Annual Measure Q Urban Open Space Grant Program
Grant application deadline is January 12, 2018

San Jose, CA - November 1, 2017: The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority is kicking off its Second Annual Measure Q Urban Open Space Grant Program, designed to connect more people throughout its jurisdiction with the many benefits of nature. This competitive grant program is funded by Measure Q and provides funding for projects in one or more of these categories:

- Environmental Stewardship and Restoration
- Parks, Trails, and Public Access
- Environmental Education
- Urban Agriculture/Food Systems

Urban Open Space Corner - October 2017

As we head into the fall season, the Open Space Authority has been working diligently with our Measure Q Urban Open Space grantees as they break ground and complete projects. Take a look at some of the exciting projects below.

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.