In the 1950’s, Jaycees, Alden Campen and Ernie Renzel (former Mayor of San Jose) took this dream to heart and the construction of Happy Hollow began in 1958, with the creation of a pond system and pathways, a parking lot, restrooms, and the purchase of the Viking Ship Life boat from Navy shipyard in Benicia. Over the next 2 years, “Recreation Leader”, Ralph Rosendin built many pond features, Tree House and Monkey Island. Campfire Girls planted 700 trees, Danny the Dragon was purchased, and a paddle wheel/stern wheel boat was built. In 2011 - Happy Hollow Park & Zoo celebrated its 50th anniversary.