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Canada geese forage at Lake Cunningham Park in San Jose. (Anda Chu/Bay Area News Group File Photo)
By DOMINGO CANDELAS |
PUBLISHED: August 3, 2023 at 5:15 a.m. | UPDATED: August 3, 2023 at 5:28 a.m.
After years of underinvestment, the City of San Jose is finally taking action on Lake Cunningham, thanks in part to funding from state and regional partners.
Neglect has taken its toll on Lake Cunningham Regional Park, once a vibrant park in the heart of our East San Jose community. Restoring Lake Cunningham is not just an exercise in nostalgia, it is a responsibility we owe to our environment, our community and future generations of San José residents. The effort to revive the lake is a shared responsibility that involves a partnership between government, nonprofits and the private sector.
By committing to this endeavor, we can showcase our dedication to environmental conservation, biodiversity protection and the overall well-being of each other. The transformation of this 203-acre park will not only enrich our lives today but will serve as a legacy of our commitment to a sustainable future. By restoring the park’s natural habitats, we can provide a sanctuary for native wildlife to flourish once again. Such actions are not just beneficial for our environment, but they also enhance the quality of life for the surrounding community, making our city more sustainable and livable. Improved recreational open space, access to walking trails and places for people to gather and build community are pivotal outcomes we can achieve together.
To my fellow city, county, state and federal government representatives, we pave the way for comprehensive funding solutions. Your support can address various facets of restoration, including recreational enhancements, infrastructure upgrades and water-quality improvements. This investment serves as a testament to the value we place on the health and well-being of our residents.
The City of San Jose recently received a much-needed boost toward improving Lake Cunningham Park in the form of a $1.5 million appropriation in the 2023-2024 state budget led by Assemblymember Ash Kalra. The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority also recently awarded funding to Lake Cunningham as part of its 2023-2024 grant cycle. This funding marks a crucial step toward revitalizing the park, but it is only the beginning of the journey. With ambitious plans to restore the park to its former glory, it is my hope that these initial investments will act as a catalyst for the millions of additional funds required to achieve this vision. Rep. Jimmy Panetta also submitted a federal earmark request, and leaders at Valley Water have indicated their interest in Lake Cunningham’s revitalization. Additionally, Santa Clara Supervisor Sylvia Arenas is bringing the county to the table to contribute toward this collective effort.
To my non-profit and private sector partners, your support is equally vital in the restoration process. Public and private organizations that thrive in our community have a unique collaborative opportunity by investing in Lake Cunningham’s rejuvenation through corporate sponsorships, donations or partnerships. Lake Cunningham could become a testament to what we can achieve when governments, nonprofits, businesses and citizens unite for a common cause.
Lake Cunningham holds immense potential to become a cherished and thriving open space once again, and with continued support and resources, I aim to turn this dream into a reality. Residents of East San Jose and, more broadly, Silicon Valley are demanding action. It is time for their leaders to act. Restoring this natural treasure requires an ambitious effort that transcends public and private spheres. By pooling resources from all levels of government, together with private funding, we can embark on a transformative journey to rejuvenate Lake Cunningham, benefitting both our environment and our community.
Domingo Candelas represents District 8 on the San Jose City Council.
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