Over-The-Top Parks That Are Perfect For Playtime

Generations of Mesa visitors have planned picnics at Pioneer Park, anchored in the heart of the city on Main Street and Mesa Drive. Now, the park is the center of attention after a nearly $8 million overhaul. Highlights of the new Pioneer Park include an oversized multi-story ADA-compliant playground and a splash pad, including a 15-foot-high water wall that is the first of its kind in Arizona. The 9,000-square foot playground is designed to feel like you are playing in the tree tops. Parents love being able to play alongside their kids taking advantage of the 500-foot-long elevated ribbon walkway that connects the main central plaza area to the playground. Pack a lunch or bring in takeout from the many nearby restaurants that line Main Street. Approximately 130 new trees have been planted as part of the renovation while the existing beautiful trees continue to mature. Restoration is continuing on the park’s historic Southern Pacific Engine #2355, which has been at the park since 1958.

Another must-play place is Mesa Riverview Park, named one of the country’s best by USA Today’s 10Best.com. This outdoor venue boasts two playgrounds featuring the latest hands-on play equipment including slides, spinners and swings allowing for hours of playtime for little ones. On the edge of the park, curious climbers can test their skills and scale a 300-foot natural linear climbing wall complete with a covered fort. The biggest attraction here is the world’s tallest rope climbing tower that stretches 50 feet into the air. A 75-foot zip line and splash pad complete the park’s playground amenities. Riverview Park’s signature feature is the five-acre urban lake bordered by a pavilion for events with three bridges and numerous access points. A shaded splash pad featuring sponge flooring also runs year-round. The shaded ramada features child-size picnic tables interspersed with regular picnic tables perfect for gatherings of all sizes. The palm tree-lined walkway, that locals call the Paseo, leads visitors to and from the adjacent Mesa Riverview shopping complex and Chicago Cubs’ Sloan Park.

One of Mesa’s most epic play spaces is the Orange Monster, located at the Eastmark Great Park on the city’s eastern border. This 9-foot-tall play structure was built to be a gathering hub within the award-winning, master planned community. Climbing, swinging, and imagination all come together in the design of the structure which stretches out to over a half-acre. The various twists and turns as children of all ages race across the play netting are endless. Moms and dads will be happy to see fun and fitness all rolled into one big adventure! The Eastmark Great Park also boasts a splash pad, amphitheatre, community lake, walking trails, two fenced in dog parks, softball fields, rolling hills and open fields for active play of all kinds.