San Jose City Council has approved a renovation plan for John Mise Park, a move celebrated by many but also sparking questions among local residents. Concerns have arisen, particularly regarding the park’s accessibility to the public following a joint-use agreement with Archbishop Mitty High School. This article aims to address these misconceptions and provide clarity on the exciting upgrades planned for John Mise Park, ensuring it remains a valuable public asset.
John Mise Park in San Jose, California, is set for renovations to enhance its sports field and facilities.
Upgrading John Mise Park: A District 1 Priority
Recognizing the need for enhanced sports facilities in District 1, the City of San Jose identified John Mise Park as the prime location for an upgrade. As the second-largest park in the district and already equipped with a lighted sports field, John Mise Park was a logical choice. Its proximity to Archbishop Mitty High School also presented an opportunity for a beneficial partnership.
The John Mise Park renovation project is budgeted at $4,136,000. Archbishop Mitty High School is contributing up to $375,000 towards this initiative, with the remaining funds secured by the City from dedicated park improvement funds. This financial strategy ensures that resources are specifically allocated to enhance public park spaces.
The renovation’s centerpiece is the transformation of the existing sports field into a state-of-the-art artificial turf field. Currently, the field accommodates a softball layout with a youth-sized soccer field overlay. Post-renovation, John Mise Park will boast an artificial turf softball field with an adult-sized soccer field overlay, catering to a broader range of sports activities and age groups. Furthermore, to improve park accessibility, a new parking lot at the north end of John Mise Park, accessible from John Mise Court, will add 30 parking spaces. The project also includes replacing the current lighting system with new, energy-efficient lights, enhancing the park’s sustainability and usability during evening hours.
The planned upgrades at John Mise Park include a new artificial turf sports field and modern lighting for improved community use.
Joint-Use Agreement: Maximizing Community Benefits at John Mise Park
A key component of the John Mise Park renovation is a joint-use agreement with Archbishop Mitty High School, a strategic move by the San Jose City Council to optimize public service delivery. This agreement leverages external partnerships to enhance community resources.
Archbishop Mitty’s contribution of up to $375,000 towards the turf and lighting installation is complemented by their commitment to undertake the majority of ongoing park maintenance, resulting in significant cost savings for the City. Additionally, Mitty will contribute annually towards future artificial turf replacement, demonstrating a long-term investment in John Mise Park’s upkeep. In return for this substantial support, Archbishop Mitty High School will have scheduled access to the sports field from 2:45 PM to 5:30 PM during the school week. Mitty also gains an additional 20 hours per year to reserve the field and the use of the new parking spaces during school hours.
It’s important to note that this agreement largely formalizes Archbishop Mitty’s existing usage of the John Mise Park sports field, which has been accommodated through the standard city reservation process. This agreement ensures a structured and mutually beneficial arrangement.
Public Access Remains Paramount at John Mise Park
Despite the joint-use agreement, John Mise Park remains unequivocally a public park. During the hours allocated to Archbishop Mitty, the park’s other amenities, including the playground, basketball courts, picnic areas, and grassy spaces outside the sports field, will remain open to the public. Crucially, outside of Mitty’s reserved times, the sports field will be available for reservation by other community groups and teams, particularly on weekends and during weekday hours.
Furthermore, when the sports field is not reserved, it will be freely and openly accessible to the public. This makes the renovated John Mise Park the first public park in San Jose to offer an artificial turf field with consistent public access. The installation of a perimeter fence, approximately 4 feet high, around the new turf field is for safety and maintenance purposes, preventing vehicle access and containing sports equipment, while incorporating regular pedestrian access points without gates or locks.
In conclusion, the John Mise Park renovation project represents a significant enhancement for the community. It will deliver an upgraded, modern sports facility while ensuring continued and even improved public access. John Mise Park is set to become an even greater asset for San Jose residents, fostering recreational opportunities for all.
