The San José AIDS Memorial Grove

A coalition of several AIDS service organizations was formed in 1993 by Our City Forest for the purpose of planning a memorial tree grove to honor those who have died — and will die - from AIDS. Several City of San Jose departments participated as well, including Mayor Susan Hammer's office.

A public survey was conducted by the coalition to determine the features needed for the grove site. Respondents indicated that a centrally located park site which could accommodate 30 or so trees was needed. They also expressed a desire for the site to provide some serenity yet allow for occasional public events. After a prolonged and extensive search for the ideal site, the coalition approved an available site located near the entrance to the Children's Discovery Museum. After a lengthy and arduous process led by Our City Forest, this proposal was reviewed and approved by the Guadalupe River Park Task Force in December, 1994. Then San José councilmember and task force member Trixie Johnson assisted in this process.

The Volunteers

To create a true sense of ownership for the grove, the coalition sought to have volunteers involved in all aspects of its development. A special volunteer training class was conducted by Our City Forest to train volunteers in tree planting and tree care techniques. Those attending the training worked on the memorial grove as their "hands-on" class project, participating in the species selection and site preparation planning as well as the actual planting of the trees. Volunteers also committed to helping track the health of the trees and work with City employees to care for them.

Volunteers attending the training worked on the Memorial Grove as their "hands-on" class project.

The Grove

The grove consists of 30 Chinese pistache trees planted lovingly by the volunteers on September 17^th, 1995. The tree species and tree placement was coordinated with input from the volunteers, the City arborist and the Redevelopment Agency. The bronze animal sculptures which currently reside at the far end of the park will be moved to the grove site. The sculptures were created by Michael Boris who died of AIDS a few years ago. Prior to his death, Michael dedicated the animals to the children of San José. This element of the grove will help to further AIDS education and awareness among the greater community. A dedication plaque will be designed and included as part of the memorial. Dedication of the grove took place on September 30^th, 1995.

The San José AIDS Memorial Grove Coalition members are: Centre for Living With Dying, Health Education and Training Center, AIDS Project of the Diocese, AIDS Legal Services, ARIS Project Inc., Visiting Nurses Association-AIDS Project, AIDS Foundation - Walk for AIDS, Billy De Frank Lesbian and Gay Community Center, Sierra Club Gay and Lesbian Group of the Loma Prieta Chapter and…Our City Forest.

The public may visit the grove at any time. It is located just to the left of the front entrance of the San José Children’s Discovery Museum in Guadalupe Park at Woz Way and Hwy 87 in downtown San José.