ANNUAL COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
2024
WHERE YOU BELONG
DIRECTOR’S LETTER
JON CICIRELLI
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION & NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES (PRNS)
THANK YOU,
Jon Cicirelli
We are proud to continue our mission of connecting people through parks, recreation, and neighborhood services to build a healthier, more vibrant San José. As we reflect on our work this past year, we are energized by the 2024
National Recreation and Park Association theme, "Where
You Belong." This theme perfectly captures our vision for the future—one where our parks, community centers, and
other public spaces are places that foster connection,
belonging, and fun for all.
Our history, rooted in community-driven planning and
service, has led us to the ambitious goals set forth in our ActivateSJ Plan. Through this strategic plan, we are working to create a parks, recreation, and neighborhood services system that ensures all San José residents have access to safe, welcoming spaces close to home. The guiding
principles of ActivateSJ—stewardship, nature, equity and access, identity, and public life—are not just words; they are our daily commitment.
Over the past year, we’ve accomplished so much through
the dedication of our sta
, volunteers, and community
partners. From building seven new parks to expanding
inclusive programming, we've seen how our e
orts directly
contribute to healthier and more connected communities.
We are excited about the future as we look toward critical funding and planning initiatives to create a more equitable parks system, cleaner neighborhoods, and inclusive
programs. We are committed to building a system that not only serves today's needs but continues to make San José a place where everyone belongs.
OUR MISSION - CONNECTING PEOPLE
THROUGH
PARKS, RECREATION AND NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES FOR AN ACTIVE SAN JOSÉ
OUR VISION - HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
THAT INSPIRE BELONGING
Maintaining parks is no small feat, as many features like irrigation, restrooms, fields, and playgrounds are getting older. Beyond maintaining amenities, our crews also protect us from disasters like wildfire. Last year, they cleared 36 million ft2 of dry grass—the same size as 626 football fields—to reduce fire risks across our city.
We prioritize our limited resources to support parks that need it most and are exploring ways to close our maintenance funding gap—including a potential ballot measure.
Our Resilience Corps also invests in future park maintenance by connecting young adults to careers that support the long-term care of parks. Since its launch in 2021, the program has hired 52 young people, including 17 into full-time roles. For many, they are the first in their family to secure a job with benefits and retirement.
Our volunteers help us in our commitment to stewardship—taking care of the resources we have and investing in them for the future.
BeautifySJ is creating safe, clean, and vibrant neighborhoods. The community shows their pride by reporting illegal dumping and grati through 311 or rolling up their sleeves to help with cleanups. Last year, volunteers removed 862,000 pounds of litter and their dedication amplifies the work of our sta
, who cleared 9.5 million pounds of
illegally dumped debris and erased over 2.8 million ft2 of grati.
Our Parks Volunteer Management Unit also connects residents and local businesses with opportunities to keep their neighborhood parks and trails beautiful. Last year, volunteers contributed almost 29,000 hours to remove invasive species and clean up litter in our parks and trails.
THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS
INVESTING IN OUR PARKS
Everyone deserves to enjoy nature, especially in an urban environment, which is why we're focused on making this a reality for all residents.
PRNS has reimagined our ranger-guided hikes to be more inclusive, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can fully experience the outdoors. By collaborating with therapeutic sta
, our park rangers
designed routes featuring flat, paved paths that accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
Our commitment to improving natural spaces for community enjoyment and climate resiliency is highlighted by the addition of a dedicated arborist to our team, planting 1,053 new trees in parks, and installing five new pollinator gardens last year.
In addition, our Volunteer Management Unit empowers volunteers as they revitalize natural spaces in their neighborhoods. Together, we're finding ways to incorporate drought-tolerant, native California plants that attract pollinators and enhance biodiversity to protect our health and the planet's.
REIMAGINING RANGER-GUIDED HIKES
Getting people of all abilities outside and in our
parks is the number one goal for us.
NIKA NOORISHAD, THERAPEUTIC SPECIALIST
LINDEN SKJEIE, PRNS VOLUNTEER
I appreciate that PRNS supports the goals of a
growing number of residents to create more native
gardens and native habitats in San José—they bring
people together and create beautiful spaces that
support biodiversity and the environment.
IMPROVING OUR NATURAL SPACES
Parks are more than just outdoor spaces. By
investing in their care today and planning for their
future, we’ll keep outdoor spaces vibrant for San
José’s communities to connect and stay active.
NATURE
STEWARDSHIP
With a $1 million grant from California's Outdoor Equity Program, 52 families from the Poco Way and Washington neighborhoods visited our Family Camp at Yosemite for an unforgettable two-night experience that included transportation, food, lodging, and the equipment needed to enjoy the outdoors. For many, this was their first time camping.
Our all-inclusive playgrounds foster a sense of community and belonging for all. The Rotary Play Garden, Lincoln Glen Park, Almaden Lake Park, and Emma Prusch Farm Park playgrounds were designed to provide safe and accessible spaces, regardless of age, ability, or background because all residents should be able to enjoy outdoor recreation and social activities.
These new all-inclusive playgrounds promote physical and mental well-being and foster a more inclusive and accessible community.
These projects were made possible thanks to community members, donations, and the County of Santa Clara's All-Inclusive Playground Grant Program.
Fue algo hermoso pasar tiempo en familia, gracias a las personas que colaboraron para que nosotros nos sintiéramos como en casa, a las personas que se encargaron del desayuno, el almuerzo y la cena, cada detalle que hicieron para que nos sintiéramos cómodos.
It was a beautiful thing to spend time with the family, thanks to the people who helped us feel at home, to the people who took care of breakfast, lunch and dinner, every detail they did to make us feel comfortable.
MARCELA CORTES, CAMPER
Our afterschool programs provide a safe, enriching space for over 2,000 youth annually to thrive through arts, sports, and STEM activities. We hired a full-time Inclusion Specialist to ensure programs are accessible to all learners. She works with families and sta
to make accommodations and create inclusive
environments that support every student’s success.
SAN JOSÉ FAMILIES EXPERIENCE THE SIERRAS
CREATING SPACES FOR EVERYONE
SUPPORTING ALL LEARNERS
For 30 years, our Clean Slate Tattoo Removal Program has been a resource dedicated to opening opportunities for young people through professional and educational development as well as tattoo removals.
Our nationally recognized gang intervention programs have become a model for cities nationwide—a success we're proud of because not only are we transforming lives in San José but also inspiring change for youth across the country.
I was motivated to get my tattoos removed because I
wanted to be an example for the youth who don't see a
life past gang activity.
PETER ORTIZ, COUNCILMEMBER, DISTRICT 5
The Annual Neighborhoods Conference serves as a key platform for connecting San José residents with City services, o
ering an
opportunity to share ideas and discuss needs. So far, we’ve hosted two conferences and two quarterly neighborhood forums, with more events on the way.
Last year, we rolled out a new Neighborhood Engagement Model designed to foster more direct and meaningful connections with approximately 190 neighborhood associations.
At San José’s iconic Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, we celebrate the breadth of our parks, recreation, and neighborhood services system.
An accredited zoo home to over 110 animals, Happy Hollow brings the community together through unique events like
Beloved by residents and visitors alike, Happy Hollow is where lasting memories are made.
Danny the Dragon’s birthday in March, Senior
Safaris for thousands of older adults, and a
lively Noon Year’s Eve countdown for nearly
4,000 kids and their families.
CREATING MEMORIES AT HAPPY HOLLOW
BETTER NEIGHBORHOOD ENGAGEMENT
WIPING THE SLATE CLEAN
IDENTITY
EQUITY & ACCESS
We’re proud to support working families through a
ordable
afterschool programs at 32 schools in San José.
Anna Hereida is a wife, a teacher, and a mother of three that was able to achieve her goals of obtaining a higher education with the help of our R.O.C.K. Afterschool Program. Her three children attended the program at various sites for over seven years, learning new skills, finding new hobbies, and making lifelong connections. Knowing her kids were safe, she was able to complete her master's and doctorate degrees while balancing her work and family life.
Our Placemaking Team loves transforming public spaces into fun places to hang out and connect.
Last year, we hosted over 15,000 neighbors at over 100 Viva Parks events, including one series called Paint the CitySJ, which o ered
free painting classes in local parks. These classes help residents of all ages and abilities express their creativity while strengthening bonds with neighbors.
Additionally, our three signature Viva CalleSJ events attracted over 400,000 participants, bringing the community together to enjoy open streets for walking, biking, skating, and other activities. As a cornerstone of San José's community events, Viva CalleSJ is gearing up to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025.
ANNA HEREDIA, PARENT
I’m very thankful for the program. It takes a village
to raise our kids, and the R.O.C.K. Afterschool
Program was there when we really needed it.
A recent County of Santa Clara survey showed that
85% of SNP participants experienced improved
health, social connections, and mental well-being,
empowering them to live more independently.
We are strengthening a sense of belonging and community for all residents and recognize the importance of creating premier places for older adults to socialize and enjoy life.
Our Senior Nutrition Program (SNP) and recreation classes o er a
welcoming environment for older adults to build community and create lasting memories. Serving over 4,500 seniors annually with healthy meals at little-to-no cost, our community centers also host activities like yoga, ballroom dance, watercolor painting, and lotería.
HELPING OLDER ADULTS THRIVE
SUPPORTING WORKING PARENTS
CONNECTING SAN JOSÉ RESIDENTS
PUBLIC LIFE
Revenue Expenses
Parks
Capital
Recreation
Community Services
GRANT REVENUE
$47,488
$609,701
$4,357,247
$11,606,254
Three Cooling Centers 27 openings
Inclement Weather Shelter 7 days
EXTREME WEATHER SHELTERS
Operations $183,002,090
Capital $207,558,607
OPERATIONAL & CAPITAL BUDGET
Full-time Employees
Part-time Employees - Benefited
Part-time Employees - Unbenefited
611.84
19.26 231.78
TOTAL AUTHORIZED POSITIONS
Total Budget FTE 862.88
Strategic Support
Park Operations & Maintenance
Community Services
$27,427,274
$65,397,899
$54,234,411
$35,942,506
OPERATIONAL BUDGET
Recreation
2023-2024 FISCAL PERFORMANCE & COMMUNITY IMPACT
Trash Collected in Pounds 12.6M
Volunteer Hours 69,753
Dumpster Days 152
Picnic Reservations 2,076
Park Concerns Resolved 1,794
Trees Planted 1,043
New Park Openings & Renovations 35
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo Visitors 421,886
Scholarship Amount $2.8M
Meals Served
Youth Enrolled in
Out-of-School Programs 2,100
Park Permits 447
OUR IMPACT
Scholarships Granted 13,244
Older Adults and Youth Meals 235,858
$27M
$98M
$30M
$132M
$38M
$138M
2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024
FISCAL PERFORMANCE
Revenue Expenses
PRNS EXECUTIVE STAFF
As we look ahead, the focus remains on moving our ActivateSJ Strategic Plan forward and ensuring our parks, community centers, and public spaces continue to meet the needs of our diverse community. A major step in this process will be securing sustainable funding that supports the long-term health of our parks system and cleaner neighborhoods. We recognize that we face a dicult budget year ahead, but our commitment to delivering essential services remains unwavering. We are actively exploring new funding options, including a potential ballot measure in 2026, and will continue to advocate for the resources we need to keep our parks and facilities in good condition.
We're also exploring ways to update our policies to better align with the needs of our residents, ensuring greater equity in the distribution of resources and access to services. This next year we'll focus on strengthening community partnerships, deepening engagement with residents, and addressing the evolving needs of our system through careful planning and thoughtful practices.
DirectorJon Cicirelli
Assistant Director Andrea Flores Shelton
Deputy Director, Parks Avi Yotam
Deputy Director, Recreation Maria De Leon
Deputy Director, Community Services
Olympia Williams
PARKS, RECREATION & NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES
200 E. SANTA CLARA ST. 9TH FLOOR, SAN JOSE, CA 95113
PH: (408) 535-3570 | WWW.SANJOSECA.GOV/PRNS
FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM @SJPARKSANDREC
Deputy Director, Capital Improvement
Raymond Costantino
Division Manager, Administrative Services
David DeLong
Public Information Manager
Amanda Rodriguez
CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Matt Mahan
District 1 Rosemary Kamei
District 3
District 2 Pamela Campos
Pending
District 4 David Cohen
District 5 Peter Ortiz
District 6 Michael Mulcahy
District 8 Domingo Candelas
District 7 Bien Doan
District 9 Pam Foley
District 10 George Casey
COMMISSIONS
SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
District 1 Vacant
District 3
District 2 Kohli Singh
Gina Gates-Lopez
District 4 Lilia Hancock
District 5 Obdulia Corona
Citywide Vacant
District 6 Vacant
District 8
District 7 Fane Williams
Ruthie Medina
District 9 Lori Rodrigues
District 10 Vacant
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Citywide Jose Villarreal
District 1 Ashesh Singh
District 3
District 2 Andre Morrow
Lawrence Ames
District 4 Jo Nguyen
District 5 Daisy Barocio
District 6 Kelly Snider
District 8
District 7 Giavanna Vega
Kent Campbell
District 9 Janny Choy
District 10 Ken Brennan
CONTRIBUTIONS
Editor
Designers
Writers
Amanda Rodriguez
Laura Dizon, Liz Vargas
Photographers Kevin Dabi, Macayle Bontilao
Dylan Kuhlmann-Haley, Ed Bautista, Elizabeth Castro, Elaina Vasquez, Kiran Lake, Olivia Markel, Sheena Talosig
MOVING FORWARD
WHERE YOU BELONG
SUPPORT YOUR PARKS, TRAILS & CENTERS
OUR PARTNERS
PRNS partners provide time and resources to keep our programs invigorated.
Their tireless commitment benefits all San José residents.
PRNS provides our residents with the opportunities to maintain healthy, active, and social lifestyles. We maintain 215 parks, over 3,600 acres of parkland, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, and 42 community centers. You can help support and improve the quality of life for your neighbors. Consider a time or financial contribution, email [email protected].