18 VISION & GOALS | cupertino parks and recreation system master plan Nature Experience
Community members
want more opportunities to
connect to nature.
Expanding access to nature is a top priority
for the community. Throughout all outreach
activities, participants consistently favored
incorporating nature and increasing access
to natural open space over other potential
enhancements. Community priorities include
improving or restoring creeks, meadows, and
wildlife habitat in existing parks, as well as
planting more trees and native plants in public
spaces. Stakeholders, Council members and
residents noted the importance of environmental
education and nature programs in connecting
people to nature. Gardening and nature play
were seen as additional opportunities to connect
to nature. As the City renovates its parks,
residents would like to see a decreased emphasis
on large lawn areas and more focus on retaining
a site’s natural character. City parks could
better highlight existing natural amenities and
tree cover, adding to the City’s overall “natural
capital.”
85% of Citywide Survey
respondents noted that improving
access to natural open space is
needed
FIGURE 7: NATURE RECEIVES THE MOST AND STRONGEST SUPPORT OF THE
PRIORITY GOALS FOR THE PARKS AND RECREATION SYSTEM
(VISION AND GOALS QUESTIONNAIRE)
23 cupertino parks and recreation system master plan | CHAPTER TWO Recreation Variety
Residents and visitors
desire a wide range of
recreation options.
Cupertino is a diverse community with a keen
interest in diverse recreation. Outreach fi ndings
indicate that residents expect a greater variety
of recreation options, including unique, high-
quality attractions for residents and visitors. The
wide range of recreation interests includes a need
for diff erent types of facilities and programs that
support visual and performing arts, nature and
environmental education, sports and fi tness, and
more. Community members want to see diff erent
types of facilities that go beyond standard
recreation off erings, such as non-traditional,
multi-purpose facilities.
Community members recommended adding
varied facilities such as a parcourse, outdoor
exercise equipment, and moveable seating to
City parks, as well as traditional elements such
as basketball courts.
74% of Questionnaire
respondents believe that having
a greater variety of facilities and
programs is important
FIGURE 10: DIVERSE INTERESTS IN EIGHT TYPES OF PROGRAMMING
ENHANCEMENTS (CITYWIDE SURVEY)
Performing, visual,
cultural arts
Classes for lifelong
learning
Before and after school
programs
Nature and
environmental programs
Aquatic programs
Adult sports/fi tness
Youth sports/fi tness
Special events (i.e. Earth
Day, 4th of July, festivals,
etc.)