Terra Linda Park
Terra Linda Park (undeveloped)
Abutting backyards and accessible by two residential streets, Terra Linda Park is a nicely-sized natural area that reminds us Santa Clara is a conglomeration of new housing, old farm houses, and undeveloped land. There are no playgrounds in the immediate vicinity of the park, and the ample space there would allow for a modest neighborhood playground while preserving the handful of large landmark trees. As it exists today, the park provides a shortcut from Wilkes Drive to River Loop 1. These are streets which are frequented by speeding traffic and lack adequate buffers for pedestrians and cyclists. While the undisturbed open field and scattered trees make for lovely scenery, there are no facilities, benches, play equipment or bathrooms onsite. Anyone sharing a walk with their dog is reminded to keep canines leashed at all times in all city parks.
While most of the city’s other recently-acquired lots feature, if nothing else, a “Park Rules” sign to indicate that you are indeed entering public land, the only signs at Terra Linda Park read “No Dumping” on River Loop 1 and “END” on Terra Linda. There is, however, an obvious path where pedestrians have followed in each other’s steps from the north end of the park to the south. To find Terra Linda Park, follow River Loop 1 around its first two corners and look for the open field on the left. If you come from Wilkes Drive, head south on Kendra Street until it narrows and turns to the left into Terra Linda. The park is on the right just before the sharp left turn.
Article and photos by Lauren L. Zavrel