Parks partnerships
The County Parks Department's mission is to provide, protect, and preserve regional parklands for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations. Partnerships with individuals, community organizations, local businesses and other agencies is a powerful way to match enthusiasms and resources to provide greater public benefit. The Department’s 2018 Strategic Plan provides guidance to the development of parks and programs. Click here to learn more. All partnerships must serve a park purpose from recreation to natural resource stewardship to public education.
A partnership is a working relationship between organizations with compatible values and goals and results in mutual benefits. The partnership may be formed around a single activity or event, or it may be long-term and multi-faceted. Partnering with us does not necessarily include a financial commitment. Many of our partnerships are non-financial and require only an exchange of services and/or facility usage. This is negotiable based on the interests of both parties.
Contractual partners
From user groups (Black Mountain Bowmen) to farmers and gardeners (Master Gardeners, Jacobs Farm at Martial Cottle Park) to youth education (Youth Science Institute), these partners provide programs and services via written bilateral agreements.
Volunteer and neighborhood partnerships
Individuals and organizations such as “Friends of” groups like Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association, who provide volunteer labor, money, and other resources.
Intra-county
In collaboration with the SCC Library District, the Social Services Agency and Department of Public Health have focused on ensuring that all County residents can benefit from the regional park system.
Interagency
A contractual relationship to share resources to achieve a common goal such as fire management (CALFIRE) and water recreation (Valley Water).
Park Partner Program guidelines
The County Parks Department values public support from individuals, foundations, corporations, non-profit organizations, service clubs, and other entities, and seeks to foster philanthropic contributions through recognition of community support. The Park Partner Program MOU establishes a connection between the department and organizations seeking to fundraise to support the development and enhancement of parks, opens spaces, trails, programs and events in the regional park system.
Propose an innovative recreational or educational use of park land
Public benefit proposals
Parks carefully evaluates partnership proposals for compliance with state and local restrictions on parkland uses. For example, the State of California restricts the use of publicly-owned parkland to park purposes. The County has approved various Park Master Plans and Policies, which also constrain the types of permissible park uses. Additionally, some of our County Parks contain restrictions on permissible uses imposed at the time the County acquired the land. Examples of park purposes include, but are not limited to, expanding resources for recreation opportunities, improving the way Parks delivers services and programs, and enhancing the amenities offered at Parks.
To ensure that partnerships further these purposes, Parks utilizes the public benefit proposal process, which is designed to give all interested parties an opportunity to propose partnerships, including those which may require permits, licenses, leases, and concession agreements. Expressions of Interest will be received and reviewed on an ongoing basis. An internal review team meets four times a year to review proposals and make recommendations.
View public benefit proposal form
This is the first stop for submitting a proposal for an amenity or use of park land. Please read the form in its entirety.
View frequently asked questions about public benefit proposals
Current partners
- Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad
- Bowhunters Unlimited
- Black Mountain Bowmen Archery Club
- Santa Clara County Model Aircraft Skypark (SCCMAS)
- Northern California Velodrome Association
- Los Gatos Rowing Club
- Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation
- Spring Valley Golf Course
- Santa Teresa Golf Club
- Twin Creeks Sports Complex
- San Jose Zouaves Rifle Club
- Flycasters of San Jose
- SCC Water Ski Club
- Silicon Valley Disc Golf Club
- West Valley College, Park Management Program
- Youth Science Institute
- New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association
- Friends of Santa Teresa Park
- Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful
- Our City Forest
- Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley
- Peninsula Open Space Trust
- 4-H Youth Development
- SCC Master Gardeners
- San Jose Conservation Corps + Charter School
- San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory
Volunteer with us
In general, County Parks is open to proposals, new ideas, new programs and services and/or potential investments to park facilities or programs. Interested potential partners can explore the following approaches to collaboration with the department. Browse the many opportunities to chip in as a Volunteer at SCC parks!
Related links
2024 Equity and inclusion assessment and action plan
County Parks understands the importance of access to outdoor spaces for creating healthy, strong, and vibrant communities. The 2024 report will guide how the department responds to a growing diverse population, providing equitable access, and enhancing the department’s role in improving human health. Click here to read the SCC Parks DEI Assessment and Action Plan June 2024