Agenda Item # 14.1 - Alex Oei | Received 01/22/2024CAUTION: This email originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
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From:Alex Oei
To:Public Comments
Subject:EXTERNAL - Public Comment Item #14.1 Property: City-Owned 536 Acres at Hecker Pass (Including Gilroy
Gardens Theme Park)
Date:Monday, January 22, 2024 2:51:27 PM
Hello gilroy city council.
Please do your best to review and accept the proposal for the adventure park.
While the city has been doing an admirable job of continuing the legacy of bonfante gardens,
the site is starting to stale, and lose appeal as kids age out of the facility.
The proposed adventure park would rejuvenate interest in the area, and provide outdoor
adventure opportunities to all ages, and co-locate these all in 1 property. There isn’t any
facility like this in the Bay Area, much less California.
In terms of the bicycling opportunities, mountain biking was literally invented in Northern
California. We have an opportunity to recognize this heritage, and provide a safe place for our
kids to enjoy this sport. This is relevant, as cyclists are losing safe access to trails across the
Bay Area. In fact, the current “best” place to visit is the demo forest in Santa Cruz. Which
requires a potentially long commute over the accident prone 17, battling hikers and
equestrians, ultimately leading to limited parking/access. The heckler pass proposal takes all
of these considerations into mind.
In terms of zip line, nothing like this is offered outside of Santa Cruz. Why not capture the
traffic who would otherwise be driving through gilroy?
Finally. The wave / wake pools are unique and could provide an additional revenue stream, as
nothing like this can be found in Northern California.
The management team seems to have a strong background in creating sporting opportunities.
It’s not their first rodeo. I think you couldn’t do better in terms of a management company.
Again. Please consider approving this proposal, and reinvigorating Gilroy.
Yours,
Alex Oei