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Gilroy Gardens

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Park History & Timeline

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A Dream Becomes Reality..

After selling their Nob Hill Foods supermarkets, Gilroy Gardens was created and built by Michael and Claudia Bonfante and is designed to educate guests and to foster a greater appreciation of horticulture. The park features over forty rides, attractions, educational exhibits and majestic gardens. It was originally known as Bonfante Gardens Theme Park and below is how the its journey unfolded.

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1944

Michael Bonfante comes from a family with a history of ground-breaking ideas. In 1944 Michael’s father, Mike Bonfante, built the first American hotel in Acapulco, Mexico and in 1957 Michael’s uncle John Bonfante built the first fly-in resort in Baja California. Michael proudly refers to the spirit of risk-taking as “The Bonfante Genetic Flaw”.

1972

With his father’s founding of Nob Hill Foods, Michael began to expand his role in the family supermarket business. During the early years, he found the prescription for high-stress management life to be the calming nature of trees. And thus, Michael began his long-time interest and love for our leafy friends.

1975

Michael decided that the best way to nourish his fondness to own “big trees” was to start a business selling them which soon became known as “Tree Haven”. Due to water issues, Tree Haven was moved twice before landing in its final location, now the home of Gilroy Gardens. During this time, he began to ponder the idea of a park that would inspire young people to appreciate the beauty of trees. 

1977

Michael opened Nob Hill Family Park—the home to all his botanical wonders and a recreational facility for all of his employees. This helped resolve his desire to create a venue that would support what he described as a his “tree habit” while also providing a truly wonderful facility for his staff.

1981

Michael set out on a journey to learn more about horticultural facilities while he considered whether he could open a public “tree themed” garden. “I learn by doing and talking, not by reading,” says Michael. He traveled the globe touring theme parks and public gardens, learning all he could about building his dream. Unfortunately, Michael could never get the numbers to pencil out. “Finally, we learned the only way a garden could be naturally beautiful and still economically viable was to add rides,” says Michael.

1985

During this time, Michael’s attention was caught by the story of ailing “Circus Trees” in nearby Scotts Valley. The trees planted by Axel Erlandson featured magically complex designs created by shaping the trees to grow in certain directions and patterns. Erlandson grafted over 70 “wooden wonders” in his lifetime. However, after his death in 1964 the trees were left to the elements until Mark Primack, a Santa Cruz Architect, led a valiant effort to save them. Unfortunately, only 31 trees survived. Michael bought the Circus Trees and brought them to Gilroy after purchasing over 500 acres surrounding Tree Haven and the family park for the trees to live and thrive on. Other trees were imported from as far away as Holland and Italy and rocks from as far as Idaho and Montana. The tapestry of Michael’s vision began to take shape.

1988

“Nob Hill Family Park” became “Hecker Pass… A Family Adventure.” Michael decided if his employees loved the picnic park then he could offer it to other companies to enjoy. Hecker Pass… A Family Adventure operated through 2000 while the theme park was under construction. Many elements in the original picnic park that eventually ended up in the theme park included some of the small children's rides.

1998

Michael had grown Nob Hill Foods to 27 stores and 2500 employees. As Nob Hill Foods grew, so did the vision of Bonfante Gardens. Simultaneously, the cost of the dream of a tree-focused park began to escalate. Michael sold the stores to a competitor and concentrated full-time on his theme park. The proceeds were placed in a community trust, ensuring the park would open.

2001

Bonfante Gardens Theme Park opened on Michael's birthday, June 15, 2001—for its inaugural season as California's only horticulture theme park. Michael’s passion is evident is every single detail of the park. He has purposely ensured that anything “manmade gives way to nature.” This is why you will see paths bend around the rocks. Michael is most proud of Bonfante Falls, which he personally helped build. The five waterfalls feature complex designs and represent the five major styles of waterfalls that occur in nature. And of course his favorite tree is the famous Basket Tree. When asked of his most memorable moment Michael simply states “Every little victory along the way. I did what it took to create my dream.”

2002

The word "Family" was added to the park's name; changing it to Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park.

2003

In February, Bonfante Gardens hires Paramount Parks, Inc. to manage the park's operations and provide strategic guidance on financial decisions and long-range planning.

2004

Bonfante's Wild Bird Adventure™ and Wild Wings™ open in March as temporary single-year attractions for the 2004 season.

The first Bonfante Gardens Holiday Lights™ special event opens to the public in November, giving guests 12 beautiful nights of holiday fun!

2005

In June, Bonfante's Splash Garden™ opens as Bonfante Gardens' first permanently installed attraction since its opening, featuring five new interactive water attractions.

2007

Bonfante Gardens begins its 7th Season in March with new name—Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. It was felt this would help the park better identify with the location. A new mascot, Gil the Garlic Guy, was introduced.

In April, Pit Stop Racers and Big Red Engine Co. kiddie rides return after a four-year absence.

2009

In December, Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park celebrates the holidays with its 6th Annual Holiday Lights™ and an exciting new feature: Nights of Fire: Laser Light & Fireworks Spectacular...15 minutes of lasers, lights and fireworks all dancing to the beat of a scintillating holiday soundtrack.

2010

2010 rings in park's 10th anniversary by celebrating 10 Years of Wonder!

2013

Gilroy Gardens introduces a new mascot: Gil's kid sister, Roy. "GILbert introduces ROYelle...a little bit princess; a little bit tomboy...and she likes to be called Roy!" Get it? Gil...Roy. Gilroy!

2016

Lumination: Chinese Culture Celebrated in a Whole New Light ran through January 2017. This event was a spectacular festival of light celebrating 2,000 years of Chinese culture and tradition. It showcased over 30 intricately made, colossal light displays that were fascinating by day and absolutely breathtaking at night. Each lantern was handmade by artisans from Zigong, China.

2017

Gilroy Gardens launched an all-new event called Gardens@Night. The separately themed night-time event ran October through December 2017. The festivities began October 1st with Halloween@Night and included trick 'r treating for the kids, themed food, special spooky activities, and more, ending on October 29th. Harvest@Night ran November 3-26 and included local beer and wine tasting, specially created food and live bands playing each weekend. December 1-30 saw the return of our signature holiday event, renamed Holiday@Night. Special treats, the Holiday Feast and more returned to close out our season.

2021

Gilroy Gardens celebrated 20 years in 2021 (pushed back a year due to the 2020 covid pandemic) with the BEST Birthday Party EVER. Party guests could stop by the all-new Birthday Clubhouse to meet the Birthday Crew and learn the Birthday Rap. Cupcake breaks (with sprinkles, of course!) could be reserved at four themed Party Patios. Attendees were able to relive 20 years of magical memories at the Memory Spots found throughout the park.