New Main Street Park Designs Unveiled

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Commission took up further discussion of the new Main Street park at its regular meeting earlier Monday.

Chairwoman Rebecca Villalobos introduced SWA Group's John Wong to make the park presentation and explain the renderings provided by his company.

According to Wong, the new Main Street Park is in the triangular lot just north of the Milpitas Public Library. It would be a passive park designed to preserve open space and maintain a hillside view, fenced off only near the railroad tracks. It would have a meandering walkway, a small flower garden, bench seating, , a meeting area, a restroom and perhaps a coffee kiosk.

A "T" intersection could be formed at Main Street and Railroad Court to recapture some park land. The design would encourage low water use and employ a bioswale to collect storm water.

Wong then presented the three preliminary draft concepts to commissioners.

Concept A includes an open lawn area, a walkway to a flower garden, a southern orchard corner, a kiosk at the entry point, a restroom near the flower garden, a fountain water feature with seating in the northeast corner, and a row of palms along the east side of Main Street.

Concept B uses the building, refurbished and placed near the library in the southeast corner by the flower garden. An olive orchard would be placed along the east side of Main Street near the open lawn.

Concept C places the museum more to the west, with the lawn having two soft mounds and naming opportunities near the southeast promenade along the east side of Main Street.

Wong said the project is being designed at no cost to Milpitas by Robson Homes and SWA Group.

“Robson Homes specializes in residential infill," Wong said. "We got involved with Mark (Robson, who also attended the meeting) providing landscaping for many of his projects. Mark is willing through his generosity to give back to the city.” 

Parks and Recreation Director Bonnie Greiner said, “We want a user-friendly park for residents, seniors and library customers with a very small amphitheater or water feature for bands and poetry reading away from the library—a place for dedications and naming opportunities.”

Steve Munzel, the commission's vice chairman, said he liked certain features from each of the concepts, including the museum. His motion to “develop a Concept D encompassing these ideas in a draft letter” was seconded by Commissioner Frances Krommenhock and approved unanimously by the commission.

Commissioners discussed having a community outreach meeting soon at the library.

Community Librarian Linda Arbaugh said she was delighted with the new park and said the library parking garage can be shared with park visitors.

Comments from the public included remarks supporting the museum from Joanne Pimental Souza and Roger Skuse.

Kay Waldow, a longtime resident and member of the Golden Hills Art Association, with librarian Lauren Teixeira, asked for a “literary garden with path rocks painted by children, a poet's walk incorporating poetry along the way, and flowers for hummingbirds and songbirds. I love the idea of the museum. Also add a Chinese water gong and a hobbit house for the children.”

Bill Hare, a board member with the Milpitas Historical Society, offered his support.

"I own the 145 year-old Laguna Schoolhouse and I am willing to donate the building to save it."

The relocation and basic upgrades for the museum are estimated to cost about $1 million, according to James Lindsay, planning and neighborhood services director.

Harriett McGuire, Arts Commission chairwoman and former Historical Society president, said, “We need to get the Laguna School down here for a museum. We can get grants to help pay for it. Please consider this piece of history we can't let go.”

Marsha Grilli, president of the Milpitas Unified School District Board of Education, said, “I'm speaking for the children. This is an ideal location for showing Milpitas history to our youth.” 

SWA Group did the landscaping for the new Milpitas City Hall, Ohlone College, Stanford University and Google Headquarters, Wong said. He added that Concept D would help Milpitas to become a first-tier city.

“Anytime you get to do public open space, it's a great opportunity and challenge," he said. "You never can have enough park space. That adds to the quality of life in Milpitas.”