A New Park Opening in San Jose!

It’s been a little over four years since the passing of San José resident and Cambrian Park “go-getter” Carolyn Norris, but her legacy continues to live on with the grand opening of the Carolyn Norris Park, dedicated in her honor.

Join the celebration at the parks official grand opening on Friday, May 14, 2010 at 4:30 p.m.  Attendees will take part in a ceremony celebrating Carolyn’s life and the completion of a wonderful park, along with light refreshments, free face painting and balloon animals.

Carolyn Norris Park, a 1.3 acre park located at 2133 Samaritan Drive between Union and Clydelle Avenues in the center of SummerHill Homes’ Parkwood, which sold out in 2009.

San José’s Vice Mayor Judy Chirco hailed the new park as an ideal addition to District 9’s ever-growing list of public parks and sees the park as a special place for the neighborhood to spend a perfect afternoon and play.

The park includes the activities perfect for all ages with a lush lawn for informal play and active exercise, a shaded gazebo with seating for a perfect afternoon of relaxation, several game tables for a stimulating match-up of chess or checkers, and two separate play structures to promote healthy activities for kids of all ages and abilities.  Parkwood homeowners have already started to enjoy this wonderful amenity in their community.

“This is a wonderful asset to the Cambrian community and we are happy to see our residents and neighbors enjoying the park”, Robert Freed, President and CEO of SummerHill Homes, shared recently.

“Carolyn would be embarrassed, but very happy with the park being named in her honor. Her finger prints are on a number of things in the Cambrian area and beyond”, said Dennis Norris, widower of the late Carolyn Norris. “She made many friends in her years on the Cambrian Community Council. She is still greatly missed by her family and friends.”

In her spare time, Carolyn’s competitive nature lead to statewide notoriety for her award winning jam and jelly recipes.  Carolyn and husband Dennis were no strangers to the Santa Clara County and California State Fairs and in 2004 became the only couple to win all blue ribbons out of more than 450 entries.  In her true neighborhood spirit, Carolyn began inviting neighbors to her backyard for a “down-home style” tasting of her award winning preserves.  There will be a special treat to honor Carolyn’s award-winning jam and jelly at the event!

We’re looking forward to celebrating Carolyn’s inspiring commitment to her neighborhood – we hope you will join us!