by: Siyona Singhal, Arnav Singhal, Megan Saul 

Humor Editor, Sports Editor, and Editor-in-Chief

As summer approaches and school begins to wrap up, it is natural for students to start making summer plans. Many set hopeful goals that include productivity, hangouts, and endless adventures. However, as weeks pass, these promises fade away and often turn into aimless scrolling. Instead of truly making the best of their break, students end up indoors on their beds every day. This pattern leaves students feeling unfulfilled, disconnected, and disappointed. This summer, instead of falling into that cycle, LGHS students and families should make a conscious effort to appreciate the vast variety of green spaces that Los Gatos has to offer. 

Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Los Gatos has a diverse collection of underrecognized green spaces. Within the town’s fourteen square-mile area and the Santa Cruz Mountain Range are 3,000 acres of unprotected open space, along with easy access to over 20 public parks. However, residents leave the majority of these areas unused, as they are often unaware of what the parks have to offer. While downtown Los Gatos is a great place to spend time, people often overlook the natural areas right next to it. Just 500 meters away from the iconic North Santa Cruz Avenue lies Bachman Park, home to both a basketball court for teenagers to hang out and a sand pit for their younger brothers and sisters to play in. East Los Gatos offers Live Oak Manor Park, which includes hilly open space to play with pets and an impressive play structure. 

Of course, visiting parks offers a lot more than entertainment. An Assembly Civic Engagement Survey with a sample size of over 5,000 individuals in 26 U.S. communities shows that access to nearby parks is strongly linked to increased civic engagement and improved physical and mental health outcomes across communities. Los Gatos High School junior and youth commissioner Saketh Chinnakotla reflected upon what he has gained from being on the commission: “Being a liaison for the Parks and Public Works Commission showed me that parks aren’t merely plots of grass and playgrounds, but spaces where people can connect with their community and step away from the stresses of everyday life.” Ultimately, parks in Los Gatos are a lot more than green spaces; they are opportunities for residents to engage with their surroundings. 

In addition, Los Gatos and its surrounding areas are home to an impressive network of accessible and beautiful hiking trails. They are a great way to get out of the house, spend time outdoors, and be active. Locally, some popular trails are the Kennedy Trail, the Jones Trail, the Los Gatos Creek Trail, and the Lexington Reservoir Trail. However, these are only a few of the many free and nearby trails. The AllTrails website or app is an excellent resource to find more trails that fit hikers’ skillset, preferences, and location. It has maps of trails, reviews, ratings, distance, elevation gain, and so much more. 

Supporting hiking trails is essential to making sure the natural spaces are well-maintained and stay available to everyone. With drastic budget cuts for National Park services, it is becoming increasingly difficult for park rangers to maintain trails, which is why Los Gatos citizens need to step up. To help, students can volunteer in trail cleanups, donate to park-maintenance agencies, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Make sure to hold onto trash, stay on the path, and be responsible when around wildlife. Advocating for awareness of natural spaces and spreading the word about their value helps preserve these areas. For students who regularly use these trails, protecting them is especially important. Certified outdoorsman and LGHS senior Patrick Hayes loves hiking and backpacking. Locally, his favorite trail is the Los Gatos Creek Trail and the two-day hike up Mount Umunhum. To help support hiking trails, Hayes suggests that students volunteer for the Santa Cruz Mountain Trail Stewardship and be conscious about picking up trash while hiking. Appreciating green spaces doesn’t just mean using them; it also entails the responsibility of protecting these areas. You cannot have one without the other; to enjoy parks and trails, people must help in their upkeep. 

There are many personal benefits to spending time outside in green spaces. It improves individuals’ health in various ways, including boosting mental health, the immune system, and heart health. Senior Connor Young, the president of the Biking Club, noted, “Every time I go out biking, especially on a sunny day like today, it just completely resets my mental state. It always brings me joy, no matter what. Exercising in the beginning part of my day makes the rest of my day so much better.” The American Psychological Association shared an insightful 2019 review by the University of Chicago: “Green spaces near schools promote cognitive development in children and green views near children’s homes promote self-control behaviors.” As April, Stress Awareness Month, is often a demanding time for students, it can be essential for students to increase their usage of green spaces and Los Gatos trails. 

Los Gatos residents should utilize and appreciate the town’s resources and enjoy the many parks and trails available. If you’re interested in participating in events related to green spaces, Los Gatos offers an abundance of opportunities for students and residents to help preserve the town’s outdoors as well as enjoy it. The Los Gatos Parks & Public Works Department conducts events to clean up trails and plant new seeds throughout the town. These events include Adopt-a-Trail, Adopt-a-Planter, and Adopt-a-Highway Clean Up Projects. Los Gatos is making an effort to celebrate nature through its Spring into Green event at the Town Plaza Park on Apr. 26. Getting involved in these kinds of events that celebrate LG’s green spaces is vital to helping individuals and the community as a whole, especially during the warmer months.

(Sources: AllTrails, American Psychological Association, UCLA Health)