Gilroy Gardens - Gilroy, California
Posted by: 
DougK
N 37° 00.697 W 121° 37.756
10S E 621946 N 4097039
Gilroy Gardens is California's only horticulture theme park.
Waymark Code: WMK5R8
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 02/17/2014
Views: 5
Michael Bonfonte was a the owner of Nob Hill, a family supermarket business in the San Jose area. Michael opened Nob Hill Family Park, a picnic park and recreational facility for his employees. It was designed to educate guests, to foster a greater appreciation of horticulture and to express Michael’s love for the serenity of trees.
in 1985, Michael’s attention was caught by the story of ailing “Circus Trees” in Scotts Valley. The trees planted by Axel Erlandson featured magically complex designs. Erlandson grafted over 70 “wooden wonders.” Michael bought the Circus Trees and brought them to Gilroy.
In 1988, the park became Hecker Pass…A Family Adventure. Michael sold the grocery business to expand the and build his theme park.
In June 2001, Bonfonte Gardens, Michael's dream opened for it’s inaugural season.
In February, 2003, Paramount Parks was hired to manage the park business. In March 2007, the began its 7th Season with new name—Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. Today there are 40 rides, gardens and exhibits.
Gilroy Gardens is open every day for 10 weeks through the Summer. In months leading up to Summer, they are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, while months after the Summer they are open Saturday and Sunday. See their online calendar for definitive dates and times.
Home Page: Gilroy Gardens