Guadalupe River Park Conservancy

The GRPC does a great job with teaching people about, and preserving some of California's unique river side ecosystems. They have created a collaborative relationship with San Jose city staff and are playing a key part in making a part of San Jose that was forgotten under highway construction, more livable, useful and beautiful.

these guys are doing great work. this river is worth saving. they're opening up recreational opportunities for the community and adding value to the area.

My first experience at Guadalupe River Park was walking the trails through the park with some friends. I was delighted by the huge rose garden and being a rose lover, decided to volunteer. I've done this for a few years now and I find the volunteers and staff are so friendly and welcoming - a great group of folks. I've also biked the trails which keep improving. A true gem in the middle of a large city!

The Guadalupe River Park is one of the most exciting things that I think is happening in downtown San Jose. It provides beautiful pathway for a walking/jogging/biking trail through the downtown area. It is the perfect spot for community festivals (we've participated in several) and gives the community a nice place to get some exercise and fresh air. Recent 'children at play' sculptures add to other interesting pieces of public art in the park including a pond of rocks w/names showing our diverse heritage, and tile work. It also includes athletic areas, a heritage orchard and rose garden (to preserve some of our history) and even community vegetable gardens, etc. It is a combination of MANY exciting things for many different people - truly a gem of the community. So glad the park is here and that it is getting better and better for more for community use. Thumbs-up for sure!!!

I have volunteered at the Heritage Rose Garden, many GRPC events and served on the board of this wonderful organization. Run on a shoestring with amazing employees and volunteers, the Conservancy works hard to promote the park and its features to children, bike riders, walkers, gardeners, exercisers, students, and many others who enjoy this ribbon of green through the middle of San Jose. The Conservancy also works hard to promote completion of the park's master plan with the city, donors and volunteers.

My children have been participating in the GRPC Homeschooling classes for 6 months now. Every week I am amazed how the staff is able to educate, entertain, and enlighten so many children of different ages and backgrounds. My girls look forward to these classes and always have something new to tell me. I think it one of Silicon Valley's best kept secrets!

I am a fortunate and blessed neighbor to the right of the conservancy, I get to see the bus loads of children as they exit the bus and ready themselves for an amazing experience in Guadalupe park. We are in the top 10 of the largest cities in the United States it is hard to believe but many children do not get to experience the outdoor world the economy is rough in this area for the many poor families in the area this will be these childrens closest experience to the outdoors. I for one am greatful and I salute and thank you all. I will close by saying that after work I take a walk through the park and I am left with wonder and joy just like the children. Norma~

I love the walk along the river and if you stop at the GRPC office you can meet Patch--a very friendly rabbitt!

A small, but mighty organization, Friends of Guadalupe River Park & Gardens is an example of how a small group of people can have major impacts. Apart from the fact that there are only three full time employees, this organization seeks to bring advocacy and awareness about issues surrounding the environment and public planning. Each year they host a number of events: Pumpkins in the Park brings young families out into the park for some autumn fun while inviting local organizations to provide information and activities about the river and local resources. In the Spring, garden enthusiasts and greenies alike come out for Spring in Guadalupe where they can recycle e-waste, learn about composting, or purchase garden related items all while enjoying this gem of a park along the river. If your under the age of 12, you can join the fun with some great educational programs or discover the importance of keeping our local watersheds clean at the annual Water Wizard Festival. Aspiring to become a green business, the staff and volunteers are taking steps to minimize their impact on the environment, even if it means biking to work everyday for the bike to work challenge - and as many may know this can be life threatening on the streets of San Jose. This organization just goes to show you that it's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.

Great programs - we especially liked the plane-spotting one. We still reference the sturdy portfolio of plane silhouettes. We also attended a very fun birthday party and walk that was staffed by the GRPG.

As a park interpreter, I have seen the in's and out's of 5 different organizations. I have to say that the Friends of Guadalupe River Park is one of the best organizations I have ever seen. The feeling of being family, friends, and that of having mutual support is overwhelming. Everyone in this group works hard to support everyone else, all while fulfilling their mission. I've had the gift of seeing, first-hand, their children's programs and I am impressed. These guys are on a shoe string budget and yet the quality of their educational programs is amazing. This strikes me as a fun place to attend classes and an even better place to work. Their volunteer coordinator is exception at making her people feel appreciated and well guided without losing that friendliness and caring. IF you are looking for someplace to begin your park experience, this is it. If you are looking for someplace to take your class, or send your kids after school for some extra guidance in the sciences and nature, this is definitely the place. I was so impressed I bought gift certificates so my nieces could attend the after school program or summer camp. It's a perfect blend of urban downtown and the wildness of the Guadalupe River. Don't miss out.

As a resident and as a volunteer, I find this to be an excellent non profit. They are well organized. As a volunteer, I found the employees to be very welcoming and they made sure that my experience as a volunteer was incredibly rewarding, from beginning to end. As a resident, I feel very grateful to have such a unique non profit available to provide a valuable link between the community and nature, education and inspiration.

The tenth largest city in the United States now has the best park. The Guadalupe River Park provides recreation, exercise and event venues for the citizens of this fine city. It really makes our downtown area complete.

GRPG is a wonderful organization working to maintain, protect, and develop the park and gardens. The park is the "Central Park of San Jose" and a community resource not just for Downtown, but also the region. The Friends organization is currently updating the Master Plan for the Gardens area to include improvements to the Visitor and Education Center, as well as provide more details on how the Gardens should be developed. Our volunteer and education programs are well regarded - come down and see what's going on!!!!