California Construction News staff writer
A once-vacant 5.2-acre site in North San José has been transformed into the Riverview Stormwater Garden, a multifunctional green space designed to improve regional water quality, manage stormwater runoff, and provide new opportunities for recreation and environmental education.
The $17.4 million project is the first Regional Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) facility in Santa Clara County, marking a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to implement sustainable urban development and comprehensive water resource management.
“This project directly benefits our residents by improving stormwater management, reducing pollutants and providing recreational opportunities,” City Manager Jennifer Maguire said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “It’s a great example of how smart infrastructure can serve both the environment and the community.”
Funded through Measure T and additional state and federal grants, the facility aligns with the City of San José’s Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plan and meets regulatory requirements established by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. It captures and treats stormwater runoff from a 344-acre drainage area before the water flows into the Guadalupe River and, eventually, the San Francisco Bay — helping to reduce pollutants such as trash, oil and pesticides.
“San José is leading the way in sustainable urban development with the county’s first green stormwater infrastructure project,” Mayor Matt Mahan said. “This facility captures and treats runoff across 344 acres — over 260 football fields — before it reaches the Guadalupe River. That’s the kind of scale we need to keep our waterways and the Bay healthy for future generations.”
The site includes a perimeter walking trail, a boardwalk, native landscaping and interpretive signage. The site is designed to support pollinators and wildlife, educate visitors about watershed health and contribute to climate resilience by increasing green space and mitigating the urban heat island effect.
“This is not just about infrastructure — it’s about building a healthier, more resilient city,” Maguire said.
