ABOUT US

Shinzen Friendship Garden is a peaceful oasis nestled within Fresno’s Woodward Park, offering visitors a serene escape into the beauty and traditions of a Japanese garden. Dedicated in 1981, the garden was established through the generosity of the Woodward family, who donated the land as part of their vision to create a space for cultural enrichment and natural beauty.

Founded in the spirit of friendship between Fresno and its Sister City, Kochi, Japan, Shinzen Garden celebrates cultural connection, horticultural artistry, and seasonal harmony. Designed in the traditional North American-style Japanese garden, Shinzen features picturesque landscapes, koi-filled ponds, elegant bridges, and curated plant collections that reflect the four seasons.

The garden is also home to the renowned Clark Bonsai Collection, a living art exhibit that showcases the timeless beauty and discipline of bonsai.

The City of Fresno operates Shinzen Garden, while Shinzen Friendship Garden, Inc. serves as its steward through a formal Memo of Understanding (MOU). As a nonprofit organization, Shinzen Friendship Garden, Inc. is responsible for educational programming, volunteer engagement, fundraising, and cultural events that bring the garden to life for the community.

Whether you’re seeking a quiet moment in nature, a place to learn and grow, or a cultural experience that bridges East and West, Shinzen Garden welcomes you.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Shinzen Friendship Garden, Inc. is led by the Board of Directors who ensure that the Garden meet the expectations of a non-profit 501(c)(3) and a charitable organization. We maintain and operate the Garden through the Memo of Understanding with the City of Fresno, Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Service Department. The Shinzen Board of Directors meets quarterly, between 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. Call for details: (559) 478-4848

President:Brian Tsukimura | Vice President: Tom Bohigian| Treasurer: Aida Allaire | Secretary: Richele Kleiser

Aida  Allaire | Tom Bohigian | Denise Fowler | Linda Jacobsen | Richele Kleiser | Gary Mukai | Jerry Palladino | Akiko Peterson  | Kimiko Sasaki-Schock | Brian Tsukimura | John Wright

Casey Lamonski, Executive Director

J Schirmacher, Media Director

Emily Backowski, Volunteer and Events Programs Coordinator