As the weather warms, colorful blooms begin to paint the garden spot of Gilroy, CA. As summers can be quite warm if not downright hot round these parts, water play is critical for calming those cranky kids which has led the park to expand their Water Oasis with bigger slides, 90 new water jets, plus a 30 gallon bucket to dump on the little monsters every time the bell rings, not to mention the obligatory cabanas available for your rental enjoyment. It all opens May 13, but I was on hand for a media preview yesterday!

Things were scheduled to get underway in the early afternoon, but remembering the old proverb “April rain brings May pollen pain”, your humble narrator arrived at park opening to see if any extra color was accenting this incredible botanical garden with some rides tossed in.

, A Blooming Wet Time at Gilroy Gardens



, A Blooming Wet Time at Gilroy Gardens , A Blooming Wet Time at Gilroy Gardens , A Blooming Wet Time at Gilroy Gardens , A Blooming Wet Time at Gilroy Gardens , A Blooming Wet Time at Gilroy Gardens

Two of the gardens are best seen from those aforementioned rides. Case in point, the Rainbow Garden Round Boats that float serenely through the garden of the same name. The slow spin should be tolerable to all but the worst 1% of motion sickness sufferers.

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Two routes are available for traversing the South County Back Roads, one viewed from roadsters from the 1920s, or sports cars from the 50s. Although lacking the speed control of Disneyland’s Autopia, underage drivers can still steer (within the confines of the center guide rail, natch) over hills and around curves without the noxious fumes in one of the most scenic rides of this type going. Does one go for the railroad tunnel finish of the 20s, or the CHP ending in the 50s; how about both?

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We’ve looked at some of the park’s renowned Circus Trees on prior visits, like the Four Legged Giant, oldest in the collection, formed from four separate sycamore trees.

, A Blooming Wet Time at Gilroy Gardens

Well, like any circus, there are acts other than those receiving top billing, and perhaps I’ve been remiss in fostering introductions with some other curious arboristic artistry, like the tenuous Zig Zag Tree.

, A Blooming Wet Time at Gilroy Gardens

On all my drives through the South County Back Roads I’d never noticed passing the Oil Well Tree, plus many others throughout the park, with a sizable collection hiding in plain sight next to park entrance.

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So that’s all fine, but how about that Water Oasis? Well, they may say the bigger structure and slides make them parent-friendly, but there weren’t many takers. We need some kids like Antonio and Pancho to take the lead on this one.

, A Blooming Wet Time at Gilroy Gardens

They seem game; we got slides, jets, structures and a big bucket full of water to prepare anybody planning to live under the Oroville Dam, so let’s get wet!

, A Blooming Wet Time at Gilroy Gardens , A Blooming Wet Time at Gilroy Gardens

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Here’s a good video from Gilroy Garden’s Facebook Page:

In the end, Antonio declared the slides his favorite part of the expansion.

, A Blooming Wet Time at Gilroy Gardens

Despite his best efforts, Pancho is simply to short for the slides…

, A Blooming Wet Time at Gilroy Gardens

…so his vote was cast for connecting flows.

, A Blooming Wet Time at Gilroy Gardens

Like most of these events, we were plied with food and drink to generate goodwill, but for most of the kids, a chance to get wet in a variety of ways was more than enough. The original section of the Water Oasis seemed as deserted as the old mall once the new mall is built, so human nature is right on track. But for those requiring an even more relaxing afternoon, cabanas are waiting for a consideration of $100-200 depending on the day.

, A Blooming Wet Time at Gilroy Gardens , A Blooming Wet Time at Gilroy Gardens , A Blooming Wet Time at Gilroy Gardens , A Blooming Wet Time at Gilroy Gardens

All in all a nice little bash from perhaps the most relaxing park in the country. We’ll take a final loop on the railroad, but if Gil and Roy are leaving, it’s time we head out also.

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Have you visited Gilroy Gardens? Do you have favorite spots or any tips for those unaccustomed to this truly unique little park?

Marc Ricketts
Marc Ricketts
Marc Ricketts is a writer/photographer who has not yet outgrown roller coasters, and provides news and information about San Francisco Bay Area destinations. Mark's columns can frequently be found on MiceChat in our Weekend Updates.
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