How solar lighting helped reclaim a San Jose park

Sandwiched between an interstate freeway and a dense residential neighborhood, East San Jose’s Children of the Rainbow Park has long served as a vital community gathering space. During the day, it’s a lively spot with a playground, basketball court, and picnic tables. But until recently, it emptied out after dark, becoming a magnet for gangs and drug activity.
 
In 2025, following sustained community advocacy, the City of San Jose began working to revitalize long-overlooked neighborhoods, including this one. As part of that effort, Children of the Rainbow Park was prioritized for new solar lighting—a simple but high-impact upgrade to help restore comfort, confidence, and a sense of community after dark.

Why solar made sense

For more than a decade, the City of San Jose has used solar lighting to make public parks safer and more welcoming after dark. In many of these locations, electrical connections aren’t close by, and running power can be costly and disruptive. Solar gives the city the ability to add light wherever it’s needed, without the limits or expense of the grid.
 

Earlier installations, including nearby Chris Hotts Park, showed how solar lighting can reduce unwanted activity and draw families back in the evenings. Building on that success, the city again partnered with Sol and local agent South Coast Lighting & Design to install four EverGen-M systems at the park. The lights enhance visibility for families and improve sightlines from adjacent roads, helping patrol officers monitor the area more easily.

Reliable, resilient year-round lighting

Unlike wired systems that depend on grid power, each EverGen-M light operates independently, delivering consistent, all-night illumination—even during outages. High-capacity batteries keep performance steady through cloudy weather and long winter nights, keeping the park bright and inviting year-round.
 

For the City, that reliability means fewer service calls and less maintenance. They get dependable lighting that enhances security without additional operational costs, providing a practical, long-term solution for community spaces.

Safety, connection, and enjoyment

The impact was immediate. Families began returning to the park in the evenings—kids shooting hoops, parents gathering at picnic tables, and neighbors walking paths that once felt unsafe. Residents have noticed a sharp drop in suspicious activity and a stronger sense of safety across the community.

Councilmember Peter Ortiz reflected: “Seeing families out in the evening, kids playing safely, and the community coming together is a powerful reminder of why these improvements matter. It’s about safety, connection, and creating spaces where everyone can enjoy their neighborhood together.”