May 13, 2020

Low Risk Park Activities Are Now Open
Together, We Are Making A Difference

As stewards of Santa Clara County Parks, we are honored to provide a natural respite from the area's shelter in place health order. Together, we have successfully demonstrated the ability to use parks in a safe manner which has provided on-going access to park trails, bathroom facilities and parking lots during the health crisis.

In accordance to the County's Recreation Guidance and Facilities order, we are pleased to announce the reopening of low risk park activities including golf courses, archery ranges and disc golf courses. We are excited to reopen these areas and ask for your continued support in helping us to keep these areas open by abiding by the safety protocols.

  • Stay at home if you feel sick or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Recreate alone or only with members of your same household.
  • Do not use parks or range/course facilities for social gatherings.
  • Continue to practice safe social distancing of 6-feet at all times.
  • Face masks are strongly urged. You should have one on your person and ready for use.

Please refer to the archery range safety protocols for specific restrictions prior to visiting the ranges at Stevens Creek, Santa Teresa and Mt. Madonna County parks. For disc golf at Hellyer and Stevens Creek parks, follow the disc golf safety protocols.

Our Department is working hard to open other recreational actives in the near future.
Park Closures & Access Update
Through May 31, 2020

All classes, programs and special events have been cancelled or postponed through May 31, 2020. Park closures consist of Field Sports Park, Metcalf Motorcycle Park, lakes and reservoirs (Calero, Stevens Creek and Lexington), dog parks, campgrounds, museums, visitor centers, group sites, yurts and playgrounds (Ed Levin, Vasona and Hellyer).

The Department is working diligently towards trying to reopen recreational activities within the State and County Public Health Orders. Thank you for your continued patience, as there are requirements that need to be met before reopening. It will take time to develop measures in order to comply with the orders. We are working hard to make that goal as soon as possible. Some areas may remain closed, if we are not able to meet the requirements. If you have questions, please email parkinfo@prk.sccgov.org.
Know Before You Go
Be Prepared - Bring Plenty of Water

The warmer weather reminds us of the need to come prepared when visiting a County Park. Always bring sufficient water for the household group or yourself while recreating, especially now because water fountains remain closed. Wear loose-fitting clothing and apply sunscreen often to avoid the risk of sunburns. The bathroom facilities continue to remain open for park visitors.
Social Distancing Hikes
Wide-trail Mapping Tools

Enjoy this list of recommended hikes featuring road-width trails to make social distancing easy. Convenient print versions of the trail maps are available to carry along and a mapping tool that allows you to follow your hiking path without the use of an internet connection. The best time to hike is off-peak hours, Monday through Thursday from 10am to 2pm to ensure healthy distances.
PlayHere On-Demand Videos
Bringing Parks to Homes

Our ranger and docent-led activities are on hold during the shelter in place period, but we've been busy finding new ways to bring parks to homes. Check out County Parks newest collection of virtual outdoor videos. From story time, nature walks, craft demonstrations to park museum tours, beginning birding, and visitor center tours...there's something here for everyone! Bookmark the page because new videos are published every week.