Park Projects

Investing in Santa Clara’s Parks

Since 2013, Capital Improvement Project (CIP) funding has helped enhance Santa Clara’s parks through a combination of grants, donations, and city funds. Today, the City Council continues its commitment to transforming parks and recreational spaces into vibrant, welcoming community hubs.

New residential developments also contribute by either providing parkland and amenities or paying "in-lieu" fees, based on a rate of 2.6 to 3.0 acres per 1,000 new residents. These contributions, supported by the Mitigation Fee Act and the Quimby Act, help fund the acquisition, expansion, and revitalization of parks across the city (see Santa Clara City Code 17.35).

Each park project is guided by data, community feedback, and legal standards to ensure thoughtful and impactful spaces that bring people together to play, relax, and connect.

Announcements

Thamien Park Tennis Courts Resurfacing Project
Beginning June 1, the tennis courts at Thamien Park will be temporarily closed for resurfacing to improve playing conditions for the community. The project is expected to take approximately three weeks. During the closure, residents are encouraged to use nearby courts at Lick Mill Park, Fairway Glen, or Montague Park.

Central Park Lake & Biofiltration Maintenance
Central Park Lake will be temporarily drained beginning June 22 for routine maintenance to improve water quality, including system repairs and sediment removal. This work is done every few years and is expected to be completed in early September. The lake will be refilled with reclaimed water once the project is complete.The temporary draining is similar to natural seasonal dry periods in the South Bay, and wildlife will move to nearby habitats during the project. We appreciate your patience and look forward to reopening an improved lake for everyone to enjoy.

Central Park Entrance, Accessibility & Parking Improvements Project

  • Category:Parks Under Construction
  • Address:909 Kiely Blvd.

Consultant: Nuvis Landscape Architects
Goal:
Enhance Community Sports and Recreation Assets

The work includes construction of a new entrance, improvements to the existing traffic signal system, upgrades to concrete pathways for ADA compliance, installation of electric vehicle charging stations, and other miscellaneous work. Construction began in Feb. 2026 and will last until approximately Summer 2027.

Phase 1 of the improvements are currently underway:

  • Construction hours are 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday, excluding City Holidays
  • The Pavilion parking lot is currently closed.
  • Access to the Pavilion and Arbor picnic areas is open but limited, and they are not available for reservations at this time.
    • The Arbor area bathrooms remain open and can be accessed from the Kiely Blvd. side of the park, then through the Arbor picnic area.
    • The Pavilion area bathrooms are closed at this time, however there are public restrooms near the Lawn Bowl facility. 
  • The Magical Bridge Playground is still open for use, but the kid’s playground is currently closed.

Phase 2 of construction is scheduled to begin later this year. Please check back for updates.

Central Park image of fence near a playground

 

 

 

 

 

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Last Updated:
06-10-2026