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San Joaquin - may08 - Index

» BLaCK anD WHiTe RUFFeD
LemUR aT miCKe gROVe zOO
» THe TRanQUiL JaPaneSe gaRDen
Micke Grove Park:
Lodi’s Historical Gem
SeQUeSTeReD On THe OUTeR eDge of Lodi,
258-acre micke grove Regional Park—aptly
named after mr. and mrs. William g. micke for
their generous donation of the micke grove
land to San Joaquin County—is continuing to
grow, offering up a wealth of activities and
sights centered around the beautiful nature our
area has to offer.
Micke Grove Zoo
Home to various species of indigenous and
exotic animals, the micke grove zoo features
numerous exhibits, like the “island lost in
Time,” featuring tortoises from madagascar,
lemurs, and parrots. educational activities like
Keeper Talks, where micke grove zookeepers
share educational stories about the zoo’s
animals, are also a highlight.
among the most anticipated exhibits for
the future is the east end Project, soon to
offer a state-of-the-art immersion experience
featuring snow leopards and playful asiatic
small-clawed otters. a unifying theme of the
link between water and life will connect animal
exhibits through interactive components.
japanese Garden
The Japanese garden at micke grove has
become one of our area’s most popular
locales. Surrounded by sixty Kwanzan
flowering cherry trees, the garden’s koi fish
pond and tea pavilion provide a natural haven,
and create a desirable spot for local wedding
ceremonies.
“Our facilities are so affordable and the
gardens so beautiful,” says Sandi Costaadams,
marketing and Promotions Specialist
for San Joaquin County Parks.
photos courtesy miCKe gROVe RegiOnaL PaRK
The san joaquin County
Historical Museum
Comprised of eight exhibition buildings, four
historic buildings—including the Charles Weber
cottage and Calaveras School—a children’s
gallery, and a display of antique hand tools and
agricultural equipment, the San Joaquin County
Historical museum unearths the fascinating
history behind California’s heartland. The
museum explores the development of modern
agriculture and delves into the influence of
Captain Charles Weber, the founder of Stockton.
Fun Town and more
Once families are ready for a little more thrill
they can venture to Fun Town, a small-scale
amusement park where visitors delight in
thrilling rides and decadent treats.
guests will find more to enjoy at micke
grove in 2008, as the park will soon boast a
3-acre man-made lake with pedestrian bridge,
a one hundred-person picnic shelter, additional
picnic areas, a children’s playground, a water
play feature, and additional grass areas,
complete with a new park entrance, framed by
a 40-foot water fountain.
“The lake will eventually be planted with
seasonal catfish and trout, and we’ll have
aquacycles and paddleboats as well,” says
parks administrator David Beadles. “When all
is said and done, this project will be a great
addition to micke grove.” –Andrea Stuart
For more information: Micke Grove
Regional Park, 11793 N. Micke Grove
Rd., Lodi. General info: (209) 953-
8800, www.mgzoo.com. San Joaquin
Historical Museum: (209) 331-2055,
www.sanjoaquinhistory.org. Fun Town
Amusement Park: (209) 369-7330,
www.mgzoo.com SJm
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