Press Release: San Jose’s first all-inclusive play space reopens after 10 months of closure

A key asset of the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, the Rotary PlayGarden, reopens on Saturday, January 23 at 10:00AM. The beloved play space closed for 10 months due to COVID-19 restrictions. Located at the southern end of the Guadalupe Gardens and the Mineta San Jose International Airport, the PlayGarden was a centennial gift to the city by the Rotary Club of San Jose, opening to the public on May 23, 2015. Prior to the pandemic, the PlayGarden saw 150,000 visitors a year.

“The Rotary PlayGarden was born from the belief that children of all abilities should have a clean, safe, and welcoming place to play and socialize” says Leslee Hamilton, Executive Director of the Rotary Club of San Jose. “The excitement behind the reopening reinforces the importance of recreation and play, particularly during the current pandemic.”

Beginning Saturday, January 23, the PlayGarden will be open on a limited basis between Fridays through Sundays, 10:00AM to 4:00PM. Capacity of the PlayGarden is limited to 60 visitors at any given time, and in accordance with public health guidelines, visits are limited to 30 minutes maximum. Visitors are asked to sanitize their hands, maintain six-foot distance, and wear masks at all times.

“Our team is very excited to reopen the Rotary PlayGarden again and safely operate this community amenity to support play that transcends physical limitations,” says Joe Salvato, Deputy Director of the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy.

Just prior to the closure, the PlayGarden celebrated its 750,000th visitor and the completion of a new shade structure at the end of 2019. Future plans include a $2 million expansion, managed by the City of San Jose with funding from Santa Clara County. Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of 2021.

“We have seen tremendous support and appreciation for what the Rotary PlayGarden provides to the residents of Santa Clara County in the last five years,” says Supervisor Cindy Chavez. “Our community is looking forward to its reopening and expansion in the near future.”

The Guadalupe River Park Conservancy actively manages thePlayGarden in partnership with the Rotary Club of San Jose, City of San Jose, County of Santa Clara, Hope Services, and community volunteers and members to support maintenance, programs, and staffing of the play space. Additional details around safety practices while visiting the PlayGarden and other information around the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens are at www.grpg.org.

About Guadalupe River Park Conservancy:

Guadalupe River Park Conservancy, a not-for- profit 501(c)3, provides community leadership for the development and active use of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens through education, advocacy and stewardship.

 

Photo credits: Guadalupe River Park Conservancy