Jan 22, 2004

Dedication of Gina’s Grove celebrates legacy of Gina Farnquist

By Jeanne Lewis
Staff Writer

On a perfect day for hiking or riding horses, the dedication of Gina’s Grove was held in memory of Gina Farnquist this past Sunday. More than 100 people honored her memory at the grove, at Graystone Lane near Camden Avenue, where she spent many hours walking and riding her horses. It was appropriate that the plaque be placed at Los Alamitos Creek Trail as she was partly responsible for it. In this serene beautiful setting, among family, friends, horses, dogs and all of nature’s creatures her life was celebrated.

“I think of Gina and the legacies she left,” Vice Mayor Pat Dando said as she welcomed the crowd. “Gina started in Parks and Recreation in a volunteer position. She eventually became Director of Leninger Center, the first real community center in San Jose. Some of the innovative programs she started are still in use today at other community centers…There’s a beautiful piece of artwork in Parma Park, The Spirit of Almaden. Gina was instrumental in making sure the artwork was started, raised funds for it, implementing it, and dedicating it…The most important legacy to me, other than Gina’s friendship, was Los Alamitos Creek Trail. Gina started the planning of it, tirelessly worked very hard to make sure it would be completed and that the master plan was approved…The first time I met Gina was at Christmas in the Park, which she helped start. All of these legacies began from small seeds with someone who cares and is passionate. Gina was one of those individuals.”

Farnquist accomplished a great deal in her 60 years. Her life’s work includes titles such as Director of Happy Hollow Park, Public Information Officer for San Jose Parks and Recreation and the first Director of Leninger Center. She served on the Board of Directors of Christmas in the Park, Santa Clara County Fair and Santa Clara County Horsemen’s Association.

Besides Farnquist’s quest to improve the quality of life in San Jose, she had a variety of other interests. She raised horses and collected a world famous collection of ceramic frogs--attending the World Frog Conference where she designed the winning frog poster and t-shirt. She and her husband Bob journeyed all over the world. Even when she was ill, she traveled to Africa. A cruise was planned to Mexico days after she died from a two year battle from ovarian cancer. She loved animals, teaching children and adults to ride horses or all about frogs. Her dogs held a special place in her heart. Roller coasters were another passion and the Farnquist’s traveled often to ride the newest and latest roller coasters. But the most important quality was her love of her family and friends whom she sprinkled with a playful sense of humor.

“So many of you sent me notes after her memorial thanking me for what Gina had done for you,” Bob Farnquist said. “But she wasn’t doing anything. She was being who she was. Being who she was included connecting with other people and wanting them to be happy. Gina learned how to live life.”

The Los Alamitos Creek Trail runs from Almaden Road to Harry Road by IBM. Plans are in development to extend it to downtown San Jose.

“Her spirit is here,” Kitty Monahan, President of the New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association said. “This grove was a very special place to Gina. Enjoy it.”

Farnquist would have wanted it that way.