Westwood Oaks Park Makeover Celebrated by Multiple Generations

For decades, Westwood Oaks Park on La Herran Drive in Santa Clara has been a cherished community space. Its significance was clearly evident on July 10, when over 100 local residents gathered to celebrate the park’s renovation.

“The basketball court was always a challenge with its cracked cement, causing frequent trips and falls,” said Vivek Loganathan, who fondly remembers playing at the park as a child. “It’s fantastic that they’ve fixed it up.”

Loganathan, along with his parents Logu Venkat and Lalitha Loganathan, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony to witness the park’s transformation firsthand.

Nhung Takahashi, another long-time resident, shared her excitement about the park’s upgrade. “I used to play here when I was younger, and it’s wonderful to see it revitalized. Now my daughter can enjoy the new features,” said Takahashi.

Takahashi brought her seven-year-old daughter, Wren, to the event. Wren was delighted by the new play structures and the Cutie oranges provided by city staff. “I walk by this park every day and have seen the transformation. Wren is especially excited about the climbing structure and the tanbark instead of sand,” Takahashi noted.

The climbing structure was a standout attraction for many families at the reopening. Kelli Chesnutt, who has two young children, expressed her anticipation for the park’s completion. “We’ve been eagerly waiting and checking on the progress. It’s exciting to finally see it open and ready for use,” Chesnutt said.

Chesnutt looks forward to many enjoyable moments at the new park. “We’re thrilled to have a fresh space for daily play, where the kids can burn off energy and meet new friends,” she added.

This was precisely the goal of the renovation, according to Cynthia Bojorquez, Assistant City Manager and Acting Director of Parks & Recreation. “Projects like the Westwood Oaks Rehabilitation foster a renewed sense of community. They offer a space where all ages feel welcome and can connect with their neighbors. This park, with its half basketball court, walking path, and updated playgrounds, aims to strengthen community bonds,” Bojorquez said.

The new playground, developed by PlayCore, will serve as a National Demonstration Site. PlayCore’s design integrates natural elements, using existing site features like topography and vegetation to enhance the play experience. The updated play area is nearly three times the size of the previous structure and includes inclusive play elements to ensure children of all abilities can enjoy it together.