November 2025 - River Park Roundup

Seasonal River Park Updates

Upcoming Holiday Closures

  • Visitor Center: Thursday, November 27th & Friday, November 28th
  • Rotary PlayGarden: Thursday, November 27th
  • Zumba & Yoga: Saturday, November 15th (CANCELED due to rain)

Join Us for the Last BEE Session of the Season

The last Beginning Environmental Explorers (BEE) session of the season before our hybernation is this Saturday, November 15th from 10:30 AM in English and 12:00 PM in Spanish!

BEE is an enriching introduction into environmental science taught by Guadalupe River Park Conservancy’s environmental educators, specially designed for children ages 2 – 6.

Post Atmospheric River Trail Tips

Photo from SJ Spotlight

Seasonal flooding at low points on the trail can make sections of the trail inaccessible. Here are some things to consider:

What to be aware of:

  • Flooding: Low-lying sections, especially under-crossings, may be flooded after heavy rain. Don't wade in still water.
  • Debris: Proceed with caution due to the risk of debris on the trail submerged.
  • Maintenance: Be aware of City trucks and equipment sharing the trail and providing support.

How to prepare:

  • Stay Updated: Check the City of San Jose's website or social media for the most recent trail conditions.
  • Be Prepared: You may need to take an alternate route.
  • Exercise Caution: Be prepared to encounter hazards and be especially vigilant in low-lying areas. 

Holiday Food Drive

We're coming together to support our neighbors. With the changes to SNAP, the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy is hosting a food drive to help fill the gap. Drop off nonperishable items and help nourish our community!

We are accepting items at the Visitor Center and the Rotary Playgarden from 11/3 - 11/21. Below are the operating hours for both locations:


  • Visitor Center: Mon-Fri from 9am - 5pm
  • Rotary PlayGarden: Thurs - Sun from 10am - 4pm

Donations will be delivered to Second Harvest of Silicon Valley before the holiday. Thank you for your help nourishing our community!

San Jose Veterans Day Parade

Photos courtesy of San Jose Rotary Members.

The United Veteran's Council of Santa Clara County presented the 107th Annual Veteran's Day Parade. Some staging activities for the parade happened in Arena Green, where park goers showed their support. Watch the video from CreaTV HERE!

Reimagining the Civic Commons

Pictured: GRPC, Veggielution, and City of San Jose teams.

Our San José team had a strong presence at the Reimagining the Civic Commons Studio in Cincinnati, gaining valuable insight into how other cities are advancing civic infrastructure. Cities that brought broad representation—from residents to nonprofit and corporate leaders—showed how diverse voices strengthen civic vision and collaboration.


Many of us return home motivated to build stronger cross-sector coordination, creativity around pooling together diverse funding, and elevate resident leadership. While San José’s scale and unique culture pose our own challenges, the learning from Cincinnati reinforce that we as a community can build further if we act together.

Support Your River Park this Giving Season

Seasonal giving keeps your River Park growing strong by supporting ongoing maintenance, restoration projects, & programs that bring community together.

Consider supporting with a donation today!

Events & Programs

Animal Encounter Tours

Sunday, Nov 16th - 10:30 to 11:30am

Come learn and have a closer encounter with our animals in the visitor center. This 1hr session will be lead by our Guadalupe Guide - not only are they knowledgeable, we think they're pretty cool too! 

Join us for this free program at the Rotary PlayGarden!

Horticulture Open Hours

First Fridays -9:00 am to 12:00pm

Join us in gardening and developing your skills in the outdoors. Learn and ask questions from a Certified Horticulturist and UC Master Gardener and Master Composter.

All skill levels & ages welcome!

Binoculars will be provided.

Audubon Christmas Bird Count

Sunday, Dec 14th - 8:00am to 12:00pm

A great opportunity for people who have no birding experience but would like to help count birds for this annual event. All ages welcome. Participants will meet at the Visitor Center & taking on Guadalupe River Park watching for birds along the Guadalupe River and surrounding areas from 880 to Julian Street.

Volunteering at the River Park

Recurring Workdays

All of these community workday offerings require volunteers to pre-register. Click the workday you're interested in to RSVP today!

Location

Day/s & Time/s

Heritage Rose Garden

Every Saturday 8:30-11:30 AM

Historic Orchard

Every Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 AM

Rotary PlayGarden*

PAUSED

*Rotary PlayGarden workdays have been shifted to the Historic Orchard to support urgent need in that area. If you have a group that would like to volunteer at the Rotary PlayGarden, we are happy to accommodate those requests. Email volunteer@grpg.com to inquire!

Shockwave Medical team workday in the Historic Orchard.

Corporate Workdays

Maintain and preserve your River Park while building stronger connections through hands-on work.

EY team workday in the Heritage Rose Garden.

Collaborator Corner

NIRVANA SOUL: Open Mic Nights (every Friday, 6-9PM @315 S 1st St.) Sign up at the door and perform your music, poetry, and comedy, or just stop by to grab a coffee and listen to our local talent. Follow us on ig @nsafterdark to stay up to date. LEARN MORE >>

November 28 – 30, 2025 at San Jose Center for the Performing Arts: Broadway’s Tony® and Grammy Award®-winning big-hearted musical hit, Kinky Boots, captivates and entertains audiences around the world with a score by Cyndi Lauper, book by Harvey Fierstein, and original direction and choreography by Jerry Mitchell. Based on true events, Kinky Boots follows the journey of an unlikely pair who discover that you change the world when you change your mind. Get your tickets now at: BroadwaySanJose.com

Correction: Our previous River Park Roundup incorrectly stated that the Momotaro Sister City statue was stolen from the Japanese Friendship Garden, but actually it was stolen from Guadalupe River Park, near the Center for Performing Arts. We apologize for the error and any inconvenience this may have caused.

Guadalupe River Park Conservancy

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