The Master Plan for Reach 6 of the Penitencia Creek Park Chain was approved by the City of San José Parks and Recreation Commission, and is now under review by the City Council of San José.

Penitencia Creek in east San José extends from Alum Rock Park to Coyote Creek. Like many creeks in urban areas, it is one of the few remaining places to experience nature within the City. Its scenic woodland banks are inhabited by waterfowl, fish, and amphibious creatures. This coupled with its environmental quality and uninterrupted alignment presents a tremendous opportunity to provide a system of trails.

Under contract to the City of San José, Callander Associates prepared a Master Plan for a one mile long, 32-acre section of the creek. The process began with a team of subconsultants that included geologists, archaeologists, and biologists; who were assembled to inventory existing site conditions. With a thorough understanding of the site, Callander Associates conducted a series of public workshops to facilitate community representation during the design process. Public concerns and aspirations expressed during the meetings were addressed in the approved plan. The final Master Plan’s key component is a trail system paralleling the Creek and allowing users unprecedented access, while protecting the natural environment.

Of special note is the coordination that took place between the Santa Clara County Water District and the Corp of Engineers in dovetailing the trail plans to coincide with their own strategy for future flood control improvements. One of the techniques employed was the development of interim and permanent trail alignments that afford users the best possible experience, both before and after implementation of the flood control improvements.