Build
Play
Together,
Together.
2025 Community
Impact Report
Director’s Letter
Where
Community
Takes Shape
A parks and recreation system offers something
different for everyone—a quiet place to reflect, a
place for kids to play, a hub for neighbors to gather, or simply a safe spot to cool off on a hot day. The vision for our department is clear: healthy communities that
inspire belonging.
This year, we embraced the National Recreation
and Park Association’s theme, “Build Together, Play
Together.” That spirit is alive across our department.
We’ve seen how shared public spaces bring people
together and how strong partnerships can build
something greater than any one group alone.
Through our ActivateSJ Plan, we continue to be
guided by five principles: stewardship, nature, equity
and access, identity, and public life. By following these guiding principles in every decision, we strive to meet the diverse needs of the San José community.
Even amid resource constraints, our staff continue to
innovate and serve. Whether transforming underused
land into new parks, taking care of kids after school,
or helping folks learn a new skill, we are constantly
reimagining what “community” can be.
We can’t do it without you. The future of parks and
recreation in San José depends on sustainable
funding and strong public support. That’s why we’ll
be asking for your feedback on how we can better
serve you—and how we can continue building a parks,
recreation, and neighborhood services system that
truly reflects our collective values.
Thank you to everyone who plays a role in this
work. When we build and play together, we create
something powerful: communities where everyone
can belong.
Director of Parks, Recreation,
and Neighborhood Services
CITY OF SAN JOSÉ
Guiding
principles shape
every decision
Expanded
access to parks,
programs, and
support across
San José
Your input
shapes
tomorrow’s
parks &
recreation
OUR VISION
Healthy communities
that inspire belonging.
OUR MISSION
To connect people through parks,
recreation, and neighborhood
services for an active San José.
Measuring Our Impact
$4.8M
in minor capital repairs
and upgrades
35%
increase in time spent fixing
irrigation systems
130,000+
volunteer hours
valued at $5.2M
2,100+
people received scholarships
totaling $1.5M
82%
of participants say our
programs and services
help older adults live more
independently
81%
of children in our afterschool
and summer camp programs
make healthier choices
14 new parks
and major renovations
90%
of parents say our recreation
programs have improved
their child’s quality of life
79%
of participants feel more
connected to community
resources through our
recreation programs
90%
of Viva Parks attendees say
the events increase their
sense of belonging
75%
of recreation participants
report increasing their
physical activity to at least
2.5 hours per week
76%
of Viva CalleSJ attendees say
they feel more connected to
the community at events
79%
of residents within a
10-minute walk to a park
300+
new trees
planted in parks
3,600+
people engaged with
Park Ranger nature-based
programming
STEWARDSHIP
We take care of what
we have and invest
for the future.
NATURE
We protect, preserve,
and promote natural
areas for all people.
IDENTITY
We aim to be a premier
parks, recreation, and
neighborhood services
system.
PUBLIC LIFE
We promote community
spaces for a safe, fun,
and healthy San José.
EQUITY & ACCESS
We embrace people of
all ages, cultures, and
abilities.
30+
Resilience Corps members
hired into full-time roles
since launch in 2021
33 native gardens
supported by volunteers
I love
improving our
neighborhood,
and it means
so much when
neighbors see
us working
and say thank
you. It reminds
us that
what we’re
doing really
matters.”
ALIE VICTORINE
It’s amazing
to see our
program reach
a citywide,
seamless
series of
events.”
LAINNA ROMERO,
SUPERVISING PARK
RANGER
Stewardship Nature
BRIDGING THE GAP WITH RESILIENCE
CORPS
San José’s resources are stretched thin, but that
won’t stop us from caring for our parks. Thanks to
the Resilience Corps, we’re bridging a gap in park
maintenance while building the workforce of tomorrow.
The Resilience Corps provides hands-on experience for
young adults while enhancing our parks. Corpsmembers
help repair amenities, maintain trails, and reduce wildfire risks—delivering real value to our community. Since
launching in 2021, we’ve hired over 30 participants into full-time roles with benefits and retirement. It’s a win-win for our parks and our future workforce.
RANGERS BRING
NATURE TO YOU
Park Rangers hosted nearly 50 family-friendly
events, connecting over 3,000 people with
nature and public service. From “Touch a
Truck” to “Many Hats of a Ranger,” these
programs showcase how Park Rangers protect
nature while inspiring youth to pursue a
fulfilling career.
THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS
Alie Victorine, president of the Seven Trees
Neighborhood Association, organized neighbors
to turn a blighted corner of Solari Park into a native
garden—preventing illegal dumping and restoring
community pride.
Alie is one of thousands of volunteers supported by
PRNS who care for our parks. Thank you, Alie and all
our volunteers! We couldn’t do it without you.
THE POLLINATOR MOVEMENT
IS BLOOMING
What started as a way to engage volunteers has grown
into a community-led movement to support biodiversity.
Since 2022, we’ve supported volunteers as they planned
and installed 33 native gardens—now flourishing in 15%
of San José’s parks.
These gardens support local pollinators, conserve
water, and build community pride. At Kirk Park, one
inspired volunteer is now mentoring neighbors to create pollinator gardens in their communities. It’s proof that small actions can take root and grow into positive
change for people and the planet.
94%
of participating seniors say
the Senior Nutrition Program
helps them stay healthy
24,000+
discounted tickets to Happy
Hollow Park & Zoo
I like this
program
because I have
no siblings, no
brothers, no
sisters. And
here I get to
make friends
that are really
nice to me and
they’re like
family to me.”
CHILD REFLECTING
ON HIS DAY AT THE
FARM
We couldn’t
afford private
lessons.
This gave
my daughter
confidence in
the water.”
A PARENT SHARED
AFTER A SWIM
LESSON
Equity and Access Identity
EMMA PRUSCH FARM PARK
FOR EVERYONE
Time in nature boosts health and happiness,
but too often, barriers such as transportation or
language keep families indoors. At Emma Prusch
Farm Park, we’re overcoming those barriers.
In a partnership led by Santa Clara County Public
Health’s Juntos Initiative, the San José Park
Rangers and Veggielution helped connect families
to the outdoors, healthy food, and each other. The
result? A welcoming and inclusive experience that
makes outdoor spaces a joyful part of daily life.
MAKING HAPPY HOLLOW PARK &
ZOO A PLACE FOR EVERY FAMILY
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo’s Access for All program
ensures that more San José families can experience
nature through play. For the price of about one regular admission, a family of four can enjoy a full day at the park and zoo.
The program has doubled in size for two straight
years, growing from 3,115 applications and 12,891
tickets in 2023-2024 to 6,129 applications and 24,444
tickets in 2024-2025—representing more than
$342,000 in community savings.
WHERE EVERY CHILD CAN LEARN
TO SWIM (AND SO MUCH MORE)
Many families in San José don’t have pools, but every
child deserves the chance to learn how to swim. That’s
why we offer affordable $10 swim lessons and free
swim days at all of our community pools, making this
life-saving skill accessible to everyone.
In addition, our afterschool and summer camps provide
safe, enriching spaces for children to learn, grow, and connect. These programs boost outcomes and serve
as a lifeline for working families. These programs help parents stay employed and pursue their passions while
their children thrive.
COMMUNITY SPACES FOR
CULTURE AND CONNECTION
San José’s community centers are trusted spaces where
residents connect, learn, and belong.
Through vibrant celebrations such as Día de los Muertos, Lunar New Year, and Nowruz, our centers honor the rich
cultural fabric of our city and the neighborhoods they serve.
These events foster a sense of pride and connection, making everyone feel at home.
Older adults especially thrive in these spaces. Many seniors come for healthy, affordable meals offered by our Senior Nutrition Program and stay for the friendships and support they find there. Whether it’s sharing a hot meal, joining a fitness class, or catching up with friends, our community centers help older adults stay active, connected, and cared for. 100%
of teens received a
scholarship to participate in
sports leagues at no cost.
190+
neighborhoods
engaged
This park
gave us our
beginning. It
only felt right
to start our
forever here.”
JASON MARTINEZ,
GROOM
It’s nice to
see my little
neighborhood
park have an
event with
friendly staff”
LUNA PARK
RESIDENT
Public Life
A SAFE SPACE FOR TEENS
San José’s Teen Centers offer emotional refuge and
fun for teens navigating one of life’s toughest stages.
Each year, these welcoming, supervised spaces
support teens with building friendships, exploring
interests, and simply being themselves.
Beyond teen centers, we also offer teen sports
leagues including flag football, basketball, volleyball, and futsal, which give youth the chance to stay active
and compete in a supportive environment. Thanks
to scholarships, 100% of teens enrolled in last year’s
leagues were able to participate at no cost.
WHERE LOVE GROWS
Eight years ago, they met in a San José park. Last
fall, they got married there.
Our parks are where life’s most meaningful
moments happen.
PLAY, EXPLORE, BELONG
Through Viva Parks, Viva CalleSJ, and partnerships
with groups like Trust for Public Land and Reimagining
the Civic Commons, San José is reimagining public
space. Placemaking in parks brings together residents
across cultures, neighborhoods, and generations.
Yoga and movie nights at St. James Park are helping
reshape its reputation, and with a future Levitt
Pavilion on the horizon, the park is coming alive again.
EMPOWERING NEIGHBORHOODS
Through a new Neighborhood Engagement Model,
BeautifySJ is equipping residents with tools and
connections to create cleaner, safer neighborhoods.
The 2024 Neighborhoods Conference drew over
250 residents to workshops on safety, grants, and
civic engagement. Since then, quarterly forums have
strengthened relationships between neighbors and
City staff, building a more responsive and resilient
community.
OPERATIONAL BUDGET
FISCAL PERFORMANCE
GRANT REVENUE
OPERATIONAL & CAPITAL BUDGET
TOTAL AUTHORIZED POSITIONS
Strategic Support $25,044,210
Recreation $37,674,293
Community Services $52,077,879
Parks Operations & Maintenance $69,921,356
Capital $5,012,724.18
Community Services $1,193,153.68
Parks $3,555,364.27
Recreation $293,983.10
Full-time Employees 584.00
Part-time Employees - Benefited 22.76
Part-time Employees - Unbenefited 236.77
Total Budget FTE: 843.53
Operations $184,717,738
Capital $216,850,170
Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Department Financials
2022-23
2023-24
2024-25
$30M
$132M
$38M
$33M
$138M
$150M
Revenue Expenses
We will continue to strengthen partnerships with residents, nonprofits, and community leaders to ensure every neighborhood has access to safe, welcoming public spaces and high-quality programs.
Our challenges are real: $554 million in aging infrastructure, limited maintenance staffing, and growing demand for services. But as always, we’ll face them with creativity, resilience, and a commitment to putting community at the center.
Next year, we’ll engage San José residents in shaping a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan to better understand needs, identify gaps, and build a shared vision.
The result will be a plan that contains the tools to drive real policy changes to improve the everyday experience of people in our parks and programs.
As we look ahead,
we’re laying the
foundation for
the future of San
José’s parks and
recreation system,
which we know
must be rooted
in equity and
collaboration.
EXECUTIVE STAFF
DIRECTOR, JON CICIRELLI
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, ANDREA FLORES SHELTON
DEPUTY DIRECTOR, RECREATION, MARIA DE LEON
DEPUTY DIRECTOR, PARKS, AVI YOTAM
DEPUTY DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY SERVICES, OLYMPIA
WILLIAMS
DEPUTY DIRECTOR, CAPITAL PROJECTS, RAYMOND
COSTANTINO
DIVISION MANAGER, ANDREA MAESTRE
PUBLIC INFORMATION MANAGER, AMANDA RODRIGUEZ
CITY COUNCIL
MAYOR - MATT MAHAN
DISTRICT 1 - ROSEMARY KAMEI
DISTRICT 2 - PAMELA CAMPOS
DISTRICT 3 - ANTHONY TORDILLOS
DISTRICT 4 - DAVID COHEN
DISTRICT 5 - PETER ORTIZ
DISTRICT 6 - MICHAEL MULCAHY
DISTRICT 7 - BIEN DOAN
DISTRICT 8 - DOMINGO CANDELAS
DISTRICT 9 AND VICE MAYOR - PAM FOLEY
DISTRICT 10 - GEORGE CASEY
SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
DISTRICT 1 - GERALD GILES
DISTRICT 2 - ROLANDA PIERRE-DIXON
DISTRICT 3 - VACANT
DISTRICT 4 - LILIA HANCOCK
DISTRICT 5 - SANDRA FLORES
DISTRICT 6 - BARBARA BREMNER
DISTRICT 7 - AMY YANG
DISTRICT 8 - RUTHIE MEDINA
DISTRICT 9 - EMILIE HIGHLEY
DISTRICT 10 - RICHARD CROWLEY
CITYWIDE - VACANT
PARK S AND RECRE ATION
COMMISSION
DISTRICT 1 - ASHESH SINGH
DISTRICT 2 - ANDRE MORROW
DISTRICT 3 - VACANT
DISTRICT 4 - JOSE VILLARREAL
DISTRICT 5 - DAISY BAROCIO
DISTRICT 6 - KELLY SNIDER
DISTRICT 7 - GIAVANNA VEGA
DISTRICT 8 - KENT CAMPBELL
DISTRICT 9 - VIVIANA GARCIA-BARNWELL
DISTRICT 10 - KEN BRENNAN
CITYWIDE - ROXANNE KOOPMAN
Moving Forward & Acknowledgements
FIND OUT MORE
sanjoseca.gov/PRNS
FOLLOW US
@sjparksandrec