Micke Grove Park: Lodi’s Historical Gem
by Andrea Stuart

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, and educational activities including Keeper Talks, where Micke Grove zookeepers share educational stories about the zoo’s animals.
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 Costa-Adams, Marketing and Promotions Specialist for San Joaquin County Parks.

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 after splashing around in the water play area or frolicking in the children’s playgrounds and picnic areas, 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 manmade 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.”