September 2025 - River Park Roundup | | Celebrating 10 Years of Inclusive Play | | Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating the Rotary PlayGarden’s 10th Anniversary! | | We were honored to celebrate this milestone and to reflect on the incredible impact this space has had over the past decade. The PlayGarden stands as a living testament of what is possible when our community comes together. | | | | As we look ahead, we are excited to build on this legacy of inclusion and accessibility. With your partnership, we can sustain and expand this vital resource so future generations can experience the same joy and freedom that the PlayGarden provides today. | | | | If you’d like to deepen your impact, we invite you to make a contribution. | | | Check out photos from the celebration HERE. | | |
PlayGarden Hours Updates
- Early Closure: Friday October 3rd (open 10:00am - 3:00pm)
- Winter Hours: Start Thursday, Oct 9th (open 10:00am - 4:00pm)
| | PlayGarden Team Spotlight | |
Ash Namdar
Interim Operations Director
| | "I am a San Jose native who has been leading operations at the Rotary PlayGarden for the past seven years! The inclusive nature of the PlayGarden makes it very near and dear to me. My niece, who has Trisomy 21 (also known as Down Syndrome) loves to frequently visit! Because of this, I found out about my job’s opening. It is one of my favorite places to be!" | | | | It's been a minute, but Animal Encounters are back! | | 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 on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of October and November. | | View remarks from our Executive Director, Jason Su, HERE. | | On September 18, GRPC staff joined Mayor Matt Mahan’s Office and District 6 Councilmember Michael Mulcahy’s Office for a press event highlighting increased trail usage at the Guadalupe River Park. Preliminary trail counts show positive momentum, supported by the City’s latest “no encampment” zone, recent clean-up efforts, Clean Water Act compliance, and the ongoing impact of volunteer stewardship. | | | |
We wish to share with you some news of the happenings with the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy to raise awareness with our members, supporters, and community. On July 21, our Conservancy building was broken into, resulting in significant theft and damages totaling $15,000. We are working to ensure more Center security and have begun recovery efforts: coordination with San Jose city departments, engaging with insurance, supporting our team and volunteers, and recovering equipment and supplies.
| | While this was disheartening, we’ve been inspired by the quick response of our team, volunteers, and partners who immediately stepped up to keep our programs running. We remain committed to stewarding this River Park for everyone, and we are grateful for the support we have since garnered. | | Moments like these remind us why Guadalupe River Park is so important: a vibrant, shared public space that requires care and cherishment. As we continue working closely with local partners to make our building more secure, we know we can lean on the resilience and generosity of our community to help our recovery. | | If you can help, your donation today will go directly toward repairing damages, replacing stolen items, and strengthening security. Most importantly, it will ensure our environmental programs, volunteer days, and park care continue without pause. | | |
With love - from the Guadalupe River Park
Jason Su, Executive Director
| | Volunteering at the River Park | | Announcing - we are launching a Horticulture Open Hour! | | 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! Open to anyone from all skill levels and ages! ❤️ | | Summer Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop with UC Master Gardeners. | | All of these community workday offerings require volunteers to pre-register. Click the workday you're interested in to RSVP today! | | *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! | | ARM teambuilding workday at the Heritage Rose Garden. | | Corporate volunteer days are a meaningful way for your team to step outside the office and make a real impact. | | | | Help maintain and preserve this one-of-a-kind urban park while building stronger connections through shared, hands-on work. | | | Crusoe Energy teambuilding workday at the Rotary PlayGarden. | | | | Saturday, Oct 11th - 10:00am to 4:00pm | Get ready for free pumpkins, a costume contest, delicious food trucks, vendors and more! This event is perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to embrace the autumn spirit. Mark your calendars and we'll see you there! | | | | Saturday, Oct 4th - 9:30am to 10:30am | Join us at the Confluence Plaza at Arena Green for a free 1-hr Zumba session! Move your body to the music and enjoy the outdoor vibe with experienced instructor Yadira Vargas! | | | | Saturday, Oct 4th - 10:45am to 11:45pm | Join us at Arena Green West for a free 1-hr Yoga session in the park! Ground yourself and connect in our urban oasis with our instructor Lavina Jagwani! | | 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 >> | | October 7 - 12 at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts Broadway’s most fun hit musical, & JULIET, flips the script on the greatest love story ever told, imagining what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way. Get your tickets now at BroadwaySanJose.com! | | October 21 - 26 at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts Get 25% off* weekday performances of Some Like It Hot at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts! 🔥 GET YOUR TICKETS HERE. Click 'UNLOCK' before selecting seats and enter the code: DAZZLE. | | | | |
