If the San Juan Bautista State Historic Park is forced to close,
its array of cherished structures would face the prospect of losing
much-need maintenance to keep the buildings from deteriorating and
surrounding businesses could lose a major draw for tourists.
HOLLISTER
If the San Juan Bautista State Historic Park is forced to close, its array of cherished structures would face the prospect of losing much-need maintenance to keep the buildings from deteriorating and surrounding businesses could lose a major draw for tourists.
The San Juan Bautista attraction, which includes such Mission City landmarks as the Plaza Hotel and Castro/Breen Adobe, is on the list of 220 parks proposed for closure as part of a plan to cut $144 million from the budget. It is among three parks in the Gavilan Sector – Fremont Peak and Henry Coe near Morgan Hill are the others – all of which made the list of possible closures.
Sheila Golden, one of the historic park’s education interpreters, believes the local attractions and others have a better chance of survival if area residents speak up.
“I feel when push comes to shove, the more vocal people are in the area they live in, the less likely these parks are going to close,” she said.
The governor’s proposal largely was based on sustaining state parks operating in the black. Though specific numbers weren’t available before publication, Gavilan Sector Superintendent contended that every dollar spent at the parks generates $2 in tax revenue through an economic gain.
Golden also pointed out that besides the tourist gains, the San Juan park provides a continual benefit to schools. She estimated that 400 to 500 students visit per day during the school year. Another educational offering at the park is the Living History Day every first Saturday of the month where visitors learn such activities as churning butter and making bread, she noted.
She pointed how many tourists visiting the Mission, operated by the Catholic Church, often come to the historic park as well.
Golden stressed her concern about the potential for direct harm to the buildings themselves and possible vandalism.
“These buildings are old,” she said. “They take a lot of maintenance and upkeep.”
For the full story, see The Free Lance on Tuesday.
UPCOMING EVENT – Early Days
WHAT: According to the park: “Bring the family and enjoy a look at yesterday as costumed docents bring the past into the present. Meet the people of early California including miners, mountain men, Civil War soldiers, and Victorian ladies. See craft and cooking demonstrations. Ride in a horse drawn wagon. Drink an old-fashioned soda or play cards in the saloon.”
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 20
WHERE: SJB Historic Park, near the Mission
