Gilroy Gardens
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park | |
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 Logo with mascot. |
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| Location | Gilroy, California, United States 
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| Website | Gilroy Gardens |
| Owner | City of Gilroy, California |
| Opened | June 2001 |
| Previous names | Bonfante Gardens (2001–2006) |
| Rides | 19 total
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Gilroy Gardens is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit horticultural-themed family theme park in Gilroy, California and is the 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 6 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 a 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, who acquired Paramount Parks from CBS Corporation on June 30, 2006.
The City of Gilroy purchased the 536 acres (including the theme park rides) on March 5th, 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] References
- ^ Gilroy Gardens, About.com
- ^ [1], prnewswire.com
[edit] External links
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