The artfully manicured gardens, trees and other horticultural
attractions at Bonfante Gardens have earned the park top honors in
an international awards competition.
Gilroy – The artfully manicured gardens, trees and other horticultural attractions at Bonfante Gardens have earned the park top honors in an international awards competition.
Amusement Today, an eminent trade journal covering the world of amusement and theme parks, awarded the nonprofit park third prize for landscaping as part of its Golden Ticket Awards for 2005. Bonfante finished just after a park in the Netherlands and Busch Gardens, a major regional attraction in Williamsburg, Virginia.
The trade journal gives awards in a total of 14 categories, including friendliest staff, best kid’s area, best park overall.
“We are extremely delighted to receive this award and to be recognized for our accomplishments in landscaping,” said Holly Perez, spokeswoman for the park.
Michael Bonfante, whose family owned the Nob Hill grocery store chain, opened the park to help educate children and families about horticulture. While Bonfante has partnered with Paramount Great America to help increase attendance through new amusement park-oriented attractions, officials say they plan to refocus on the park’s educational mission in coming months. They frequently hold up the Monterey Bay Aquarium as their model, simply with a different focus.
“There’s only one way to get people to appreciate nature,” said Greg Martinez, a member of the nonprofit’s board of directors. “It’s to get them to understand nature.”
