An estimated 10,000 participants will attend one of the Natural Science Days at the Gardens in 2014 . The Science Days are part of the California elementary curriculum . Gilroy Parks and Recreation is hosting more events at the Park . Granter describes it as “ having fun in a beautiful agrarian setting .”
Baksa describes the success of education in an entertainment environment as the result of many partnerships .
Educational Opportunities :
• Public Art in the Garden with artists visiting , working and displaying their art in the Red Barn .
• Schools offering science credits for Park visits .
• The Gilroy Library by offering Parks passes in a competition to reach specific reading goals .
• Community groups like Gilroy Leadership and the Chamber of Commerce for scheduling social events in the Park .
• Free Gilroy resident days at the beginning of the season .
1985
Circus Trees Arrive Michael Bonfante bought and moved “ circus trees ” from Scotts Valley to Gilroy . Axel Erlandson ( 1884-1964 ) crafted sycamores , box elders , ash and Spanish cork trees into unusual shapes , “ circus trees .” At one point he had 90 trees in Scotts Valley . After Axel ’ s death and years of neglect Michael moved 29 of the trees to Gilroy . The Park still hosts 25 of these unusual trees . The 50-mile journey from Scotts Valley to Gilroy is documented in a short video “ 80-Ton Tree Caper .” The move involved over 20 municipal , county and state agencies in the permitting process and on move day … something that would probably be impossible today ! The surviving trees are a living tribute to Axel Erlandson and Michael Bonfante .
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