D7 Park Updates

Tully Ballfields and Library

Unfortunately, two sets of bleachers at Tully Ballfields were stolen, and another set was vandalized and partially disassembled, creating a potential safety hazard. A police report has been filed regarding the theft and vandalism. We are working to make the damaged bleachers safe and identifying resources to replace the stolen bleachers.

We coordinated with the City to structurally prune all 129 trees throughout the Tully Community Library property.

Stonegate Park

Homeless persons were removed from the creek side area adjacent to the playground for the second time this month. We will continue monitoring the area and working to keep the park safe and accessible.

Windmill Springs Park

A gasket leak at the street-side meter temporarily shut off water to the park and caused the turf to begin drying out. Muni Water has repaired the issue and water service has been restored.

Coyote Meadows Trestle

We are working to preserve the historic trestle at Coyote Meadows, which we are concerned has not received the attention it needs from City staff.

We are looking for volunteers who can help preserve the trestle and potentially assist with its maintenance going forward. If you are interested in helping, please reach out to our office.

Japanese Friendship Garden

PRNS is working to adapt the new filtration systems to the ponds at the Japanese Friendship Garden, but algae continues to be a challenge as staff work on the aeration system and maintaining proper water levels so the pumps and filters can operate effectively.

Recently, PRNS engaged the ground-well water pump to automatically refill the pond when water reaches a certain low level.

One of the biggest challenges we see is insufficient personnel assigned to the Japanese Friendship Garden to manage these ongoing maintenance needs. This is an issue that will need to be addressed with the Director of PRNS and the City Manager.

Vietnamese Heritage Garden

Thank You America Monument

SJPD continues to investigate the theft and vandalism of the Thank You America Monument and is asking the public to provide any information that may help identify those responsible.

At this time, the suspects remain unidentified, and police have no evidence indicating that the incident was a hate crime. There is also currently no evidence that any City employee was involved or is considered a suspect. Because the suspects have not been identified, police cannot determine their nationality or motive.

Permanent Signage

I recently sat down with the Director of Parks and made clear that we need a permanent marble sign for the Vietnamese Heritage Garden immediately.

The Garden has been without a permanent sign for more than a year, which is unacceptable. We will continue pushing for this to be addressed.

Lighting

We have received preliminary estimates for improved lighting at the VHG. The costs are in the several-hundred-thousand-dollar range, which exceeds what the maintenance team can accommodate within its annual budget. Moving forward would require capital funding, one-time General Fund support, or additional planning.

Open Hours

Since the monument theft, the VHG has been closed except for flag-raising days. We are pushing to restore the prior schedule of Friday through Sunday, morning until dusk.

The Vietnamese Heritage Garden should be open and accessible to the community, and we will continue working toward restoring regular public hours.