Massive Cleanup Effort Restores San Jose Trails and Columbus Park
SAN JOSE, CA – Hundreds of volunteers joined San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan on Saturday to begin a large-scale cleanup of trails along the Guadalupe River and Columbus Park, a site that had been a important encampment for the past six years. The effort focused on a 16-mile stretch between the 880 and 101 freeways, aiming to restore public access and address environmental concerns.
The revitalization project responds to growing community demand for safe and accessible outdoor spaces, while also addressing the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. The cleanup follows the recent removal of over 100,000 pounds of trash from the Columbus Park encampment,and represents a broader city initiative to balance public health,environmental stewardship,and support for vulnerable populations. Organizers hope to reopen Columbus Park with updated amenities for all residents.
Mayor Mahan emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “We’re going to need a lot of people power to do this and the more residents we can get to pitch in, the faster we can do it – the more cost effective it will be and we’ll get closer to that day where we can reopen the park as a public park, with amenities for everybody.”
the cleanup impacts recreational users of the Guadalupe River watershed, like local resident Martinez, who noted, “The fact that- that part of the watershed has been cleaned up is a big deal.”
Sonja Stryker, a former resident of the riverbank encampments, acknowledged the difficulties the cleanup poses for those currently experiencing homelessness, saying, “Oh I’ve noticed, it’s put hardships on me myself and those that live around me.”
The city is coordinating with organizations to provide support and resources to individuals displaced by the encampment closures.
