Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Logo with mascot.
Location	Gilroy, California, United States
Website	Gilroy Gardens
Owner	City of Gilroy, California
Opened	June 2001
Previous names	Bonfante Gardens (2001–2006)
Rides	19 total 2 roller coasters

Gilroy Gardens is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit horticultural-themed family theme park in Gilroy, California and home of the world-famous Circus Trees created by Axel Erlandson.^[1] The Park opened in June 2001 as Bonfante Gardens. The name was changed to Gilroy Gardens in February 2007.^[2] The park features 19 rides, 27 attractions and six gardens.

One of the Circus Trees at Gilroy Gardens

Gilroy Gardens was founded by Michael and Claudia Bonfante after selling their Nob Hill Foods supermarket chain to build the park. The park was a dream that took about 25 years to become reality.

In the summer, Gilroy Gardens hosts weddings. Starting in 2004, the park began its annual holiday celebration - Gilroy Gardens Holiday Lights.

The park struggled with financial difficulty and low attendance the first two years it was open. It closed early for its first two seasons and the park's management debated whether to open at all for the third season. Paramount Parks began to manage the park on contract starting with the 2003 season.

Gilroy Gardens operates under the management of Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, which acquired Paramount Parks from CBS Corporation on June 30, 2006.

The city of Gilroy purchased the 536 acres (including the theme park rides) March 5, 2008. This purchase bought out about half the existing bond holders. The other half will be bought out in 2010. Like many other theme parks, Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park leases the land from the city.

[edit] Attractions

• Banana Split - Banana shaped swinging ship ride.
• Mushroom Swing - Mushroom shaped swing ride.
• Timber Twister - Rattlesnake themed junior rollercoaster
• Garlic Twirl - Garlic themed "tea cups" style ride.
• Sky Trail Monorail - Monorail ride through Monarch Butterfly Greenhouse.
• Paddle Boats - Duck shaped paddle boats.
• Rainbow Gardens Boats - Raft ride though flower gardens.
• Coyote & redwood Railroad - Train ride surrounding park perimeter.
• Quicksilver Express - Mine Themed rollercoaster.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Official website
• Holiday website

Coordinates: 37°0′19″N 121°37′41″W / 37.00528°N 121.62806°W / 37.00528; -121.62806