Warm weather and sunny days are finally here, so what better way
to take advantage than a trip to the park? We visited a handful of
local parks to give you the full scoop.
Christmas Hill Park in gilroy
Located off Miller Avenue
This park has the distinct honor of being home to Gilroy’s Garlic Festival, but it’s worth visiting any time of year. The 51 acres have something for everyone, including wilderness trails, picnic and barbecue areas, horseshoe pits and children’s play areas. Wide expanses of grass, baseball fields and hiking paths round out the list of things to do at Christmas Hill.
There are also three restroom locations within the park. Three picnic areas can be reserved: Mulberry East and West for $97 individually or $195 together; and Sycamore for $54. All reservations require a $50 refundable deposit. For reservations, call the Gilroy Parks and Recreation office at (408) 846-0460.
The new Southeast Area Park in hollister
(The park hasn’t officially been named yet. The Parks and Recreation Commission has reviewed several names and will recommend “Valley View Park” to the Hollister City Council in June.)
Located at Mimosa Street and Enterprise Road
This park is unique, having the only water feature in the South Valley. The whale-shaped structure sprays water, and water also comes up through small holes in the ground, reminiscent of water features found in Disneyland. Kids can play in the spray and inside the whale’s “ribs.”
“I think the water feature will go on for the first time Memorial Day weekend and probably run through the end of September,” said Hollister Community Services Director Clay Lee. “The water comes from an underground tank, which is huge, and it gets treated and recirculated.”
The park also has picnic areas and two jungle gym structures for children to play on. Though the park is bound to be a popular place to escape the summer heat, be warned: There are no restrooms. Make sure to plan ahead to avoid any potential potty problems.
Community Park in Morgan Hill
Located off Edmundson Avenue
Though this park features tennis courts and a softball field, one of its biggest draws is the duck pond. Duck and geese frolic in the water, but happily waddle out to accept gifts of bread and other bird food from anyone willing to feed them.
“I petted them when I feed them,” said Harley Bahre, 5, of Morgan Hill. “I give them the food and when they’re not even looking, I can touch them sometimes.”
Harley’s brother, John Borra, 7, also said he likes coming to feed the ducks and geese at the park.
“Sometimes we get chased by the geese, and we know that when they hiss to leave them alone,” John said. “We like coming here.”
Community Park also features picnic areas, restrooms, swings and a jungle gym. A large, covered picnic area and barbecue pit can be reserved currently for $17. The price is, however, expected to change shortly. The Morgan Hill City Council is expected to vote on a higher price in the near future. For parties of 125 people or more, for live entertainment or for serving alcohol, the reservation cost is $125 and must be paid 60 days in advance. Call the Morgan Hill Community Services department at (408) 782-0008 for reservations.
Paradise Park in Morgan Hill
Located off La Crosse Drive
Though Paradise Park is small and doesn’t have restrooms or barbecue areas, it does feature picnic tables, a large jungle gym, a soccer field, baseball field, and a strengthening and fitness course.
“Kids of all different ages are out here. Every day, I come out here and pick up litter, empty the trash and rake the bark, especially under the swings,” said Charles Frechette, a city groundskeeper. “We make sure the holes under the swings are deep enough so the kids don’t get hurt.”
Paradise Park is one of 8-year-old Brennan Piper’s favorites because it has good equipment to climb on, which he says is a must-have in any decent park.
“This park has a lot of equipment, and the one with the rope is like climbing up real stone, so it’s fun to climb,” Brennan said as he pumped his legs hard on the swings. “I like to go really high on the swings, too. It’s fun when parks have lots of equipment to play on and stuff, not just sit on the bench.”
The soccer field can be reserved currently for $17. The price is, however, expected to change shortly. The Morgan Hill City Council is expected to vote on a higher price in the near future. Call the Morgan Hill Community Services department at (408) 782-0008 for reservations.
Las Animas Veterans Park in Gilroy
Located on Mantelli Drive
The park’s 23 acres are packed with things to do. Aside from wide, grassy areas and walking trails, Las Animas is home to tennis courts, horseshoe pits, a children’s play area, basketball courts, handball courts and a baseball field.
Picnic and barbecue areas are scattered throughout the vicinity, along with two restroom sites. Two picnic areas, The Oaks and Lakeside, can be reserved for $97 each, plus a refundable $50 deposit. For reservations, call the Gilroy Parks and Recreation office at (408) 846-0460.
Las Animas is also home to Gilroy’s skateboard park, featuring rails, jumps and ramps for skateboard lovers.
Dunne Park in Hollister
Located at Sixth and West streets
Dunne Park features tennis courts, softball fields, a playground with swings and a jungle gym, barbecue pits, and a memorial rose garden. This park is also equipped with restrooms, even if some of them are only portable facilities.
The park also has a clubhouse that requires reservations, but the barbecue pits and picnic areas are all first-come, first-served. The clubhouse reservation also requires a $150 deposit, which is refunded if the clubhouse has been cleaned and undamaged after use. For reservations, call the Hollister Parks and Recreation office at (831) 636-4390.
