A balanced and adequate system of parks is essential to this community. The City of Sunnyvale is committed to maintaining and improving both parks and other open space in the community for present and future generations. Recreational open space and facilities of schools throughout the City contribute significantly to the open space assets of the community. Loss of school open space and facilities would be detrimental to the system and would substantially diminish recreational opportunities in Sunnyvale. Open space and a well-balanced park system provide more than opportunities for recreation and leisure outlets.
Open space is a vital component of a balanced, attractive, and desirable urban environment.
Open space provides ecological balance by replenishing oxygen which aids in cleaner air, provides groundwater recharge areas, cuts down on heat reflection, softens the visual image of a built environment, and generally provides for an aesthetically-pleasing community. Open space further helps residents of urban centers to maintain a connection with nature and their environment. Increasing population and changing demographic characteristics will continue to impose increasing demands on urban open space, particularly parks and recreation facilities. Open space offers the opportunity for the City to retain, manage, and interpret the agricultural history and heritage of the past through remnants of the crop fields and orchards. The City must continue to cooperate with, and rely upon other governmental agencies, industry and commercial enterprises to satisfy community open space needs and demands.