Peaceful Spaces And The Environment

By John Chen

In our transition to more efficient and transportation and housing, we must not forget our places of the spirit. The quiet City of Saratoga is a place that needs to be preserved and enhanced.

In our transition to more efficient and transportation and housing, we must not forget our places of the spirit. In my travels in densely populated Japan, it was so nice to see beautiful countryside and small towns in between cities. I think the Japanese have a nice idea in building a small shrine for each hill to revere the local hill god.

Not far from downtown Saratoga is Hakone Gardens.

Larger weddings often take place in the gravel area near the Koi Pond (the garden area) while truly intimate ceremonies of 15 or fewer are held in the Wisteria Pavilion, a charming wooden structure perched on the banks of the pond and entwined with wisteria. Afterwards, guests can walk the short distance to the Madrone Mound, a gravel-topped rise shaded by an arching oak tree and bamboos, which is equally fine for a seated or standing reception.

On moonlit summer nights Hakone Gardens is nothing short of enchanting. Business functions also benefit from the quiet and peaceful atmosphere. In fact, the way we see it, any type of event--whether indoors or out--will be enhanced by these beautiful surroundings.

There are places for nightlife and high-spirits, but don't we also need places of serenity and tranquility. The quiet City of Saratoga is a place that needs to be preserved and enhanced.

Saratoga is part of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Neighboring parks include El Sereno Open Space Preserve, Sanborn County Park and Castle Rock State Park. The last park is a favorite with rock climbers and it has a nice little waterfall.

In other cities, redevelopment may create attractiveness; in Saratoga, the attractiveness is already there. It is something to treasure and keep.