Happy Hollow Reopens
By Osvaldo Castillo
El Observador

Several people gathered at the Reopening of San Jose's Happy Hollow Park and Zoo on March 20, 2010.

Happy Hollow has been bringing joy to the lives of San Jose residents for several generations. Last July, after 46 years, the park and zoo closed for 20 months to undertake a $72 million renovation of its existing zoo and ride areas.
On March 20, hundreds of people gathered at Happy Hollow to celebrate the park's reopening.
"The money that was approved by the tax-payers helped with this renovation and will serve several generations here in San Jose," said San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed. "There are improvements to the puppet show and other attractions that San Jose residents will enjoy."
What else is new?
Entry Plaza - Will be the home to the whimsical public art created by internationally known artist Tom Otterness.
Education Center - The greenest of all the new buildings and built out of hay bales, the Learning L.O.D.G.E. (Learn, Observe, Discover, Go Explore!) will be the center of educational activity for the new facility.
Giggle Grove - The new rides area will feature the Kiddie Swings, Frog Hopper, to go along with the Granny Bugs and the Mini Putts.
Doc's Critter Care - A new animal hospital featuring an indoor and outdoor quarantine, surgery and radiology facilities.
Family Rides - The Keep-Around-Carousel features endangered species characters, Pacific Fruit Express Family Roller Coaster, and an "Extreme Make-Over" of the beloved Danny the Dragon Ride.
"Double H" Ranch Exhibit - Includes expansive animal contact area with additional play areas for children. The area will feature the Animal Barn, which will offer close contact with domesticated species.
Lemur Woods Exhibit - Will feature endangered lemurs with a parallel play area for children to hop, jump and move like a lemur.
Redwood Lookout - Will be a play area perfect for multiple age groups with an area for toddlers, a sitting area for parents and a large play structure for older children.
"Happy Hollow is a unique place where people of all ethnicities can come to have fun," said Heather Lerner, Executive Director of the Happy Hollow Foundation.
"Happy Hollow strengthens our community."
For more information visit www.hhpz.org.