Located at the old Winchester Drive-In site, Edith Morley Park bears the names
of two citizens who in their own ways made invaluable contributions to the city
of Campbell.
Edith Morley, a dedicated citizen
Edith Morley was born in West Bromwich, Straffordshire, England,
in 1905. She eventually made her way to Campbell, married and had one daughter.
She sat as a member of the city's Parks Committee. In 1964 she became a charter
member of the
first-ever Parks and Recreation Commission, serving 24 years
before retiring. Morley dedicated herself to various projects over the years,
including John D. Morgan Park, Campbell Union School District and the
beautification of Los Gatos Creek. She also had
a position as chair of the
Los Gatos Creek Development Committee. Morley was really involved in parks. She
did a lot in the community at a time when women weren't active in city
government. At the time of the dedication of the park, Edith Morley was 94 and
living in Paradise, Calif. Her grandchildren attended the dedication.
Gordon Reynolds Inspiration Point
This inspiration point is named for Gordon Reynolds who died on
Aug. 4, 1998, after a year-and-a-half battle with cancer. He was 47. Before his
death, he had seen his KidsPort -- a play structure inside San Jose
International Airport -- come to fruition. Reynolds had a hand in politics as
well, working as an independent political consultant who ran campaigns for
Councilman Matthew Dean and Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith.
Young people were Reynolds' main concern. His ultimate goal was
development of the Winchester site, where he envisioned a multi-sports complex
geared toward young athletes. "So long as there are children playing and
benefiting from the park, my father's spirit will be there no matter what name
resides--and that is victory in itself," said Tiffany Reynolds, his daughter.
Edith Morley Park was completed in 2000. The
5-acre park is located in the Guadalupe Watershed, adjacent to Los Gatos
Creek, at the McGlincey percolation ponds in Campbell. Visitors can enjoy
beautiful trails, a large grass area, an oak upland habitat, a marshland with
separate pond and wooden path, wildflower gardens and picnic tables. Dogs are
allowed on leashes.
Community garden plots
Garden plots are available for Campbell residents who want to have
a garden to plant vegetables, herbs or flowers, but don't have a suitable site
where they live. The approximate half-acre garden site has 39 10-x-20-feet
garden plots. Plots are issued on a year-to-year and first-come, first-served
basis, with a limit of one plot per family. There is a $30 annual fee. This
covers watering costs and upkeep of the garden.
If you would like to be placed on the waiting list, please email
or contact Diana Johnson at gardens@cityofcampbell.com, (408) 866-2145.
Art in the park
Installed at Edith Morley Park in May 2001, The Spirit of Water
by Glen Rodgers is a series of large metal shapes mounted on the
wall of a private building facing the park. It can be seen when driving along
Technology Park Drive.
One of the unique features of Morley Park is this art exhibit.
Art in a
museum is a given. It's not expected to be on a sidewalk, parking structure,
technology building or in a pond, but in Campbell those are exactly the places
where it can be found. Installed at Edith Morley Park in May 2001, The
Spirit of Water by Glen Rodgers is a series of large metal shapes mounted
on the wall of a private building facing the park. It can be seen by motorists
driving along Technology Park Drive near McGlincy Avenue. The project is unusual
in that it's a public work of art on private property. When the building owner
was approached with the idea of using his wall as a canvas, he was cooperative.
Morley Park Outdoor Classroom
At Morley Park groups of 20 to 30 students, along with
teachers and parents learn about urban runoff, watersheds, groundwater, water
quality, wetlands, weather and conservation.
Santa Clara Valley Water District staff lead approximately 5 field trips per
school year to Morley Park Outdoor Classroom. Groups
of 20 to 30 students,
accompanied by teachers and parents,
learn about watersheds, groundwater,
urban runoff, wetlands, weather, conservation and water quality.
For information on booking a tour, contact Kathy Machado at (408) 265-2607, ext.
2331. Be sure to visit the water district Web site for more information about
water district facilities: www.valleywater.org