Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

Hetch-Hetchy Greenway

Sunnyvale

CA

USA

Contributed by 
Cathy Merrill
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
June 21, 2005
May 1, 2024

A series of bike paths, walkways and play areas linking three city parks.

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

It is a landscaped Greenway that includes a bike path, walkways and play areas that links three City Parks- Orchard Gardens, Lakewood Park and a newer park- Fairwood Park. One can readily see how families would use this site, from grandparents walking to children skating by and folks jogging before or after work to stay in shape.

Access & Linkages

The Greenway provides wonderful access directly to or from Lakewood and Fairwood Schools, a neighborhood shopping area behind Dick's Market, and the parks - Orchard Gardens, Lakewood and Fairwood - that are near the schools. The schools and park sites are directly accessible via the Greenway, whether walking, jogging, skating or on a bike!

Comfort & Image

The Greenway was developed with input from the neighborhoods during Community meetings. Such concerns as lighting, noise, and width of the greenway behind neighborhood stores were addressed. The park does not have a "sterile" feeling because the design broke up linear areas to create stopping points: a landscaped seating area and a play area for example, kept the neighborhood "feel" in the park as it was developed.

Uses & Activities

This is a greenway that serves the local neighborhoods Children play and ride their bikes through the Greenway to Lakewood and Fairwood Schools as well as their friends' houses. You can see folks walking along the park trails and stopping to rest on the benches at almost any time of day!

Sociability

The Hetch-Hetchy Greenway has provided a wonderful site to conduct these activities while promoting a nice feeling of being in a park, rather than on the street. Its design promotes safety with low-level lighting and is comfortable to "play" in, no matter what your age!

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

The Greenway evolved from a bike trail that followed the San Francisco Hetch-Hetchy water channel in 1997.

Related Links & Sources

Hetch-Hetchy Greenway
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Hetch-Hetchy Greenway
Hetch-Hetchy Greenway
Hetch-Hetchy Greenway
Hetch-Hetchy Greenway
Hetch-Hetchy Greenway
Hetch-Hetchy Greenway

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

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