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Milpitas reviews conceptual parks and trail designs for Innovation District; no final decisions
Summary
Planning staff and consultants presented three concepts for two parks and two trail options in the Metro/Innovation District; the study session gathered council preferences and public feedback but made no binding commitments since parcels are not city-owned and the designs remain conceptual.
Planning Director Jay Lee and Principal Planner Lillian Van Hoa presented a grant-funded study (MTC grant of $200,000) to develop conceptual park and trail plans for the Innovation District around the Milpitas Transit Center. Westwood consultants described three concept options for the larger southern parcel and three for the smaller northern parcel, plus two trail alignments along Berryessa Creek taking into account PG&E easements, active rail lines, and FEMA flood-zone constraints.
Consultants said outreach included an initial community meeting, an online survey and a second public meeting; survey results and a Parks and Recreation & Cultural Resources Commission workshop generally favored Concept 3 in several respects (more walking paths and mixed programming). Commissioners suggested considering a dog park, multiple court types, shade, and a clearer mix of active and passive uses.
Council members provided mixed but specific direction: several members favored plans that prioritize pedestrian circulation, shade and multiuse areas suitable for workers in an employment-focused district; others highlighted the need to coordinate with property owners since the city does not currently own the parcels. Staff stressed that these are conceptual designs only and that engineering-level design and CEQA review would be required before any acquisition or construction. Staff will incorporate council feedback and return with a revised draft in spring 2026.
