Hecker Pass starts work on new activity hub at The Yard

Hecker Pass Outdoor Events Center has begun construction on The Yard in Gilroy, Calif., as part of a multi-phase upgrade aimed at turning the venue into a bigger outdoor events destination. The project adds sports and recreation options for picnics, festivals, retreats and private gatherings ahead of a planned 2027 grand reopening.

Why it matters: - The Yard adds new guest-facing recreation space to Hecker Pass Outdoor Events Center as the venue works to expand beyond traditional event grounds. - The project is meant to give organizers more ways to build team interaction, family activity and flexible programming into events. - The venue says the broader investment is part of a multi-phase transformation aimed at making Hecker Pass a premier outdoor destination in Northern California.

What happened: - Hecker Pass Outdoor Events Center officially broke ground on The Yard in Gilroy, Calif. - The project is a capital improvement tied to the venue’s ongoing redevelopment. - Hecker Pass selected California-based Court Builders Northern California to complete the project. - The venue remains open for events while construction continues.

The details: - The Yard will include a multi-use sport court that can function as a full basketball court, two pickleball courts, or space for volleyball and badminton. - The project will also include two bocce courts with a Pacific Pearl surface. - A multi-purpose lawn area will support two horseshoe pits, two bag toss courts, four tetherball stations and other lawn games. - The space is designed for corporate picnics, festivals, community celebrations, overnight camp experiences, nonprofit events and private gatherings. - Trevor Wilson, vice president of strategy and business development, said The Yard is meant to help guests “relax, play and connect.” - Wilson said the construction partner was chosen for its experience in recreational facilities and long-term durability.

Between the lines: - The Yard is not just an amenity upgrade; it is part of a larger repositioning of Hecker Pass as a more experience-driven venue. - The emphasis on flexible recreation suggests the venue is targeting event planners that want built-in activities, not just open space. - Revenue from Hecker Pass Outdoor Events Center supports Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, Inc., the nonprofit that operates the venue as a DBA.

What’s next: - Hecker Pass says additional guest amenities, gathering spaces and other improvements are planned as the transformation continues. - The venue is working toward an official grand reopening in 2027. - More information is available at HeckerPassEvents.com.

The bottom line: - The Yard is a visible step in Hecker Pass’s effort to turn an outdoor events venue into a more interactive, recreation-heavy destination.