Volunteers Lead Drive To Restore Gilroy Hot Springs

GILROY, CA — A group of volunteers have launched an effort to restore a part of southern Santa Clara County history.

The Gilroy Hot Springs Conservancy aims to open the 280-acre property to the public by next summer.

California State Parks granted the nonprofit group permission to do so once it completes several strategic improvements.

Topping the Conservancy’s to-do list is installing a new fire tank and hydrants, installing new soaking decks and tubs and facility improvements for 20 campsites.

The Conservancy estimates it will need around $95,000 to complete the first phase of this project.

Gilroy Hot Springs was discovered in the early 1860s by a Mexican shepherd and has changed ownership several times since then.

It was open to the public as the Gilroy Yamato Hot Springs from 1946 to 1966.

After a fire burned down a hotel and many original structures on the property Gilroy Hot Springs was recognized as a national historic landmark in 1995.

The California State Parks purchased the property in 2003 but the hot springs have remained closed to the public since then due to budget constraints.

The Conservancy is soliciting donations for the reopening through a GoFundMe drive.

To donate click here.

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