County parks to waive fees during COVID-19 crisis

SAN JOSE – The Santa Clara County Parks Department announced it will be waiving entrance fees in County parks for the duration of the shelter-at-home order. The change comes at the suggestion of Supervisor Joe Simitian, Chair of the Health and Hospital Committee, and Supervisor Mike Wasserman, Chair of the Housing, Land Use, Environment, and Transportation Committee.

In a memo to County Executive Jeff Smith, Simitian and Wasserman observed that, “Sometimes in the midst of significant and challenging circumstances, even small things can help.”

Simitian further noted that, “Folks are coping with a lot right now. It just seemed to me that our County should be doing whatever we can, no matter how small, to make people’s lives a little bit easier.”

The Supervisors’ memo is explicit that, even outdoors, group activities are still to be avoided, and that the public should comply with the most recent Public Health direction on social distancing. With that in mind, some County Park areas and amenities associated with large groups, including some playgrounds and picnic sites, will be closed. Visitors are encouraged to check with park staff and/or check postings regarding specific closures.

Section 10.a.iii of the Public Health Order specifically allows the public, “To engage in outdoor activity…” including walking, hiking, or running.