Gilroy Gardens details possible expansion

Gilroy Gardens is known for its family-friendly coasters and attractions. But it could soon be a hotspot for extreme thrill-seekers.

In 2016, Gilroy Gardens embarked on a 10-year master plan, which, among other things, aims to grow annual attendance from 450,000 to 500,000 by 2022 and attract a larger percentage of children in the 11-to 12-year-old range.

Park officials are eyeing the 350-acre hillside behind Gilroy Gardens for what is being called an “adventure park,” including bike trails, zip lines and other recreational activities.

The overall map of the proposed adventure park. | Courtesy of Gilroy Gardens

The park hired Select Contracts to look into the expansion’s feasibility. The project’s timeline is currently unknown. Select Contracts CEO Chris Sutton told the Gilroy City Council on Aug. 5 that the firm will negotiate with the city on a lease agreement.

The City of Gilroy owns the land Gilroy Gardens sits on.

Courtesy of Gilroy Gardens

Courtesy of Gilroy Gardens

The proposal includes various hiking and biking trails throughout the mountainside at various skill levels. A chair lift, located at the base of Gilroy Gardens, would take guests up to the summit, where they could experience four zip lines down the mountain, including a dueling pair of lines. A restaurant is also proposed for the summit, with a smaller café planned for the base of the mountain.

A ropes course is also in the proposal.

Gilroy Gardens has been enjoying some investment in recent years. In 2018, the park opened the $4.5 million expansion of its Water Oasis area, featuring larger water slides for older children, as well as cabanas and “splash pads.”

ACE NorCal’s Horticulture Hoopla at Gilroy Gardens is set for Sept. 7, and registration closes on Sept. 2.

The event includes an exclusive train ride, park tour, Q&A with park management and more. The always-popular paddle boat races return at Coyote Lake, and lunch follows.

To register, and for more information, view the flier.