City of Mountain View Celebrates Park and Recreation Month

Mountain View, Calif. - This July, the City of Mountain View is recognizing Park and Recreation Month by celebrating its recent adoptions of two important policy documents: the Biodiversity and Urban Forest Plan and the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan.

"The adoption of the Biodiversity and Urban Forest Plan and the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan shows that Mountain View understands the value of parks and recreation in building more resilient, connected communities," said Mayor Emily Ann Ramos. "Having a long-term vision for our parks and recreation programs while protecting the natural environment is essential for building the Mountain View of Tomorrow for future generations."

"Thank you to the community, staff, technical experts, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the City Council who played an important role in the development of these significant policy documents," said Community Services Director John Marchant. "Together, these plans create more resilient ecosystems, healthier communities, and a more livable future here in Mountain View."

Biodiversity and Urban Forest Plan

On June 23, the Mountain View City Council adopted the Biodiversity and Urban Forest Plan, making Mountain View among the first cities to adopt a comprehensive biodiversity plan in California. The plan establishes a long-term framework to guide future City projects, programs, policies, and investments that protect and enhance biodiversity, the urban forest, habitat, and ecological health while improving climate resilience throughout Mountain View.

The plan includes recommendations related to:

• Expanding and preserving tree canopy
• Increasing biodiversity-supportive landscaping
• Strengthening climate resilience
• Improving habitat connectivity
• Integrating green infrastructure into future City projects and planning efforts.

Early implementation efforts will also include developing a web-based Tree Selector Tool to help identify appropriate tree species for sites throughout the community.

The adopted plan reflects a collaborative effort shaped by community voices, technical expertise, and input from City staff, advisory bodies, stakeholders, and City Council.

Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan

On May 26, the Council officially adopted the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan, a long-range roadmap to guide the future of parks, open spaces, facilities, programs, and recreation opportunities in Mountain View over the next 10 to 15 years.

The strategic plan establishes a vision for a more connected, inclusive, and resilient parks and recreation system. The framework includes strategies and actions focused on expanding park access, enhancing biodiversity and tree canopy, improving recreational opportunities, and planning for the community's future needs.

With the plan now adopted, the City will begin transitioning into implementation, focusing first on immediate action items and foundational next steps identified in the Action Plan. The City will develop a public dashboard and annual report to the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council approximately one year following plan adoption.

Over a three-year period, community members played an important role in shaping the plan through public meetings, surveys, pop-up events, focus groups, online engagement, and ongoing feedback opportunities.

The City's Community Services Department will lead the implementation of these two policy documents. For more information, visit the Community Services Department webpage.