Hope Services marked a significant milestone this month with the grand opening of its new inclusive bocce ball courts in Gilroy, a project years in the making, and one built with a simple but powerful goal: to create a space where everyone, regardless of ability, has a place to belong.

None of this would have been possible without the generosity and partnership of Hope Services’ sponsors, Gachina Landscape Management and the Parent Family. Gachina Landscape Management went above and beyond, donating the landscaping for the entire project, a contribution that helped bring the vision to life.

Hope Services also extended heartfelt thanks to its donors, volunteers, families, and staff, whose continued dedication drives the organization’s mission forward every day.

Participants, families, staff, donors, and community partners gathered for the celebration, which was about far more than cutting a ribbon. As Sara Grignon, Central District Director shared during the event, the day represented a broader commitment: creating opportunities, building community, and ensuring that everyone has a place to connect, compete, and have fun.

“Inclusion isn’t just a value we talk about. It’s something we intentionally create,” said a Hope Services representative during the ceremony. The new bocce ball courts stand as a tangible example of that philosophy: a space where people with and without disabilities can come together, enjoy friendly competition, build new skills, and create lasting memories.

Why Bocce Ball?

Sports have a unique power to bring people together, teaching teamwork, perseverance, encouragement, and joy. Bocce, in particular, stands out for its accessibility. Whether someone is a seasoned player or picking up a bocce ball for the very first time, the game offers a level playing field where everyone has the opportunity to participate and feel like they belong.

Built With Purpose

For the individuals in Hope Services’ programs, these courts were designed with a clear purpose in mind. Organizers hope the space becomes one where participants build confidence, develop friendships, and celebrate victories, both big and small.

“You remind us every day why inclusion matters,” Hope Services shared with program participants during the event.

A Symbolic Close

The celebration concluded with a particularly meaningful moment: a butterfly release led by Michael Gachina of Gachina Landscape Management. The release served as a symbolic celebration of transformation and hope, values that sit at the very core of Hope Services’ mission.

What’s Next

While the grand opening marks a major achievement, Hope Services’ work on the courts isn’t finished. The organization is currently raising $30,000 to fund two additional improvements that will make the space fully accessible and functional for participants:

• An accessible walking path, ensuring every participant can safely and independently reach the courts
• Shade sails, providing relief from the sun so participants can enjoy the courts comfortably, even on the hottest days

Community members interested in supporting this next phase of the project are encouraged to reach out to donate via hopeservices.org/bocce.

The new bocce ball courts represent more than a recreational upgrade. They’re a reflection of what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared belief that everyone deserves a place to belong.

Watch the full event recap on Instagram.