Grant Mahony Park Rose Garden

Grant Mahony Park at Mariposa and Illinois streets in Vallejo was created to honor Lieutenant Colonel Grattan “Grant” Mahony, a World War II hero. Mahony was an Army Air Corps pilot and flying ace who was raised in Vallejo. He was killed in action in 1945 but not before receiving the Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, numerous Presidential Citations, two Silver Stars, and a Purple Heart. At the time of his death, he held the record for most enemy aircraft shot down in World War II.

The North Bay Rose Society has been helping maintain the rose garden in Grant Mahony park for over fifteen years. We began by pruning the roses every January. When the original watering system failed, NBRS paid for the installation of a new irrigation system. We also paid for the two metal arches in the garden, beautiful support for climbing roses. They were designed by Obtanium Works of Vallejo. Today, we plant new roses where others have failed or been stolen, continue to prune them annually in January, and deadhead spent blossoms twice a month from spring to fall. 

Today, the park and rose garden are a place of peace. Residents and visitors stroll the rows of colorful roses. Weddings are held beneath the arches. Photographers snap beautiful pictures of roses. All in honor of Col. Grant Mahony.

If you see North Bay Rose Society members working in the rose garden, please stop and chat. We are always glad to answer questions about roses in the park—or in your home garden.