Los Gatos Oak Meadow Park Improvements on the Way

Los Gatos planners tonight are expected to recommend to the Town Council several improvements to , considered the "gem" of local open spaces and located on Blossom Hill Road.

The Parks and Public Works Department is seeking a conditional-use permit to begin the 12-acre recreational oasis' master plan on property zoned resource conservation.

Some of the upgrades include restroom expansion by at least four stalls, parking lot improvements that include expanding its kiosk, installation of a shade structure and solar panels, installation of a playground shade structure, bocce ball court overhang and reserve areas renovation and the identification of a special events area, according to a staff report.

None of the proposed improvements will intensify the use of the park, meaning the upgrades aren't expected to increase the number of local residents who use it on a regular basis during the week and on weekends.

In June of 2008, the Council approved a report and recommendations regarding needed community and youth sports facilities and the disposition of town land within Vasona Lake County Park.

At that time, staff committed to Council a master plan for town parks, which documents current conditions and uses at the local recreational facilities and proposed improvements.

The Oak Meadow Park master plan, presented to the Los Gatos Parks Commission on Aug. 14, was unanimously approved by its members.

The park currently contains playground equipment, a decommissioned USAF T-33 Jet airplane, two bocce ball courts, nine picnic facilities, the popular Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad, W.E. Bill Mason Carousal, access to Vasona Lake County Park, and the Los Gatos Creek Trail.

During July and August, the Festival Theatre Ensemble uses the west side of the park for its annual Shakespeare in the Park festival, which attracts about 2,400 people, according to staff.

Opened in 1958, it's estimated that more than 100,000 people visit the park annually and is considered the most used recreational spot in Los Gatos due to its proximity to Vasona County Lake Park, planners said.