
Just click here for a .pdf of our latest newsletter.
26 Jan
Several years ago, Martin-Fontana Park Association members, Gail and Chuck Haywood,
had a dream of having a smooth patch of lawn where people and dogs could relax under the trees by the dog park. They eventually moved out of the area, but before they left, they donated $2000 to MFPA in the hope that someday their dream would become a reality.
Last year the San Jose City Council, with the urging of D-10 Councilman Matt Mahan’s office, set aside park funding for a pilot turf project in Jeffrey Fontana Park in front of the dog park. A combination of $7000 from the D-10 Council office, $15,000 from Martin-Fontana Parks Association, and $20,000 from the San Jose Neighborhood Parks and Recreation Services Department. NPRS is funding this pilot project in our park as a way to determine if gopher wire can be an effective means of protecting the turf in our parks.
In mid-January of 2022, the work of removing old turf and rocks from the park area began. When that step Is completed, PRNS will lay gopher wire in the bare space and plant turf over the wire. The project will eventually expand to the entire turf area in front of the dog park.
When you visit the park make sure to follow the progress of this pilot endeavor to create a safe turf area for playing, picnicking, and relaxing.
*Here’s a link from a previous posting with more info: https://martinfontanaparksassociation.blog/2021/09/11/the-chuck-and-gail-haywood-project/.
18 Jan
Martin-Fontana Parks Association and the San Jose Parks Dept. are sponsoring a
Get the Rose Garden Ready for Spring! event.
This event has been canceled due to COVID
Where: The rose garden at the west side of McAbee Road and Golden Oak Way.
When: Saturday, Jan. 22nd from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm.
What: Join your Park Association to weed, prune and feed the roses and get them ready for a spring bloom!
How: This is a COVID safe event, so bring a picture ID and proof of vaccination. Wear a mask, long sleeves, clothing that covers your legs, (thorns are sharp), and closed shoes. No experience necessary, train on the job! Join the work party as your time allows and help Jeffrey Fontana’s Memorial Rose Garden sparkle.
To sign up and/or get more info, go to Eventbrite.com. You can also sign up at the park on Saturday.
12 Sep
The City of San José Department of Parks and Recreation and Neighborhood Services is temporarily closing several park locations due to poor air quality for the health and safety of park guests and staff. As an employer, the health and safety of our parks staff is our top priority, and all outdoor activities are being reduced as much as possible.
Closures include the following regional parks:
These locations will reopen as air quality improves and staff is allowed to return to outdoor work. Neighborhood parks remain accessible to the public with the exception of Lincoln Glen, which is under construction. Per AQI – Sensitive groups, such as people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone else is advised to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.
For updates and details on reopened facilities and amenities, please visit bit.ly/prnsreopens.
9 Feb
From left to right are Dave Poeschel, District 10 Councilmember Johnny Khamis, Patrick Pizzo, and Lee Pauser
On Feb. 8th 2018, Dave, Patrick, and Lee were awarded the status of “Park Heroes” at the State of the City address. An award that was surely well deserved. Congratulations, guys; for all you do for our parks. When you see these guys, make sure to give them a pat on the back and say “Thank You” for all their hard work.
28 Jan
The Board of Directors are once again holding their Annual Membership Drive. Our goal is to add at least 30 memberships to our Association. If you know of someone who would like to join our organization, please pass along their name. Also, there are a lot of renewals due this time of year; if you have already renewed, a big THANK YOU, and if you haven’t renewed as yet, please do so, we really need your support.
To become a Member, renew a Membership, or become a Sponsor, just click on the “membership/sponsorship forms” heading at the top of the page. It’s only $20 per person or $35 per family for a one year membership. Your contributions go toward making our two parks the best they can be.
28 Nov
21 Sep
TJ Martin Park Soccer Fields
Here’s an article by Julia Baum | jbaum@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group dated September 20, 2017:
Several parks in the Almaden Valley area should be in top shape after San Jose public works crews checked off a long list of improvements throughout the summer that have all finally been finished.
The upgrades range from simple replacements such as new solar LEDs at Chris Hotts Park to redoing the playground surface at Vista Park to rehabilitating the soccer fields at TJ Martin and Jeffrey Fontana parks.
For the rest of the story go to: http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/09/20/san-jose-staff-whips-almaden-area-parks-into-shape/
24 Feb
On Thursday the 23rd of February, the Martin-Fontana Parks Association was recognized at this year’s California Parks and Rec Society (CPRS) Appreciation Dinner held at the Quinlan Community Center in Cupertino.
Representing MFPA at the event, from left to right were Ron Wilson, Dick Stevens, Ellie Carpenter, Rod Carpenter, Johnny Khamis, Mike Kalashian, Nancy Kalashian, Larry Sasscer, and Linda Wilson. (Photo provided by Johnny Khamis)
16 Feb
Here’s a letter, dated Feb. 5th, from Jean Dresden. Jean is a member of the San Jose Park Advocates group (an all volunteer group of neighborhood association leaders). This letter was presented to the San Jose City Council Neighborhood Services & Education, (NSE), committee. In It you will find a good summary of current San Jose park issues.
Here’s a link to read the letter: parkconditionsnse2017feb9item3sjparksadvocates.