Thude Park

RC Plane Paradise

Thude Park has carved out a niche as a model airplane flying hub. On weekend mornings especially, you'll spot enthusiasts launching their remote-controlled aircraft and pulling off impressive stunt maneuvers in the open sky. What's nice is that the RC airplane community here tends to be pretty welcoming if you're curious about the hobby or just stopping by to watch.

While you won't always catch planes zooming overhead (especially on weekdays), this is definitely their home turf. The space accommodates this hobby well, making it a pleasant location for aviation enthusiasts.

Get Moving

Beyond the aerial action, there's plenty of ground-level recreation to enjoy. The expansive grassy areas provide ample space for walking, jogging, or bringing your four-legged friend for some exercise.

What sets this park apart are the hills and ridges that add some welcome challenge to your workout routine. If you're looking to break a sweat or add some incline to your run, you'll appreciate this natural terrain. The sizeable perimeter makes for a satisfying loop if you're aiming for distance.

Come weekends, the atmosphere shifts as the fields transform into impromptu sports venues. Baseball, soccer, kickball, and Ultimate Frisbee games bring the community together and add a vibrant energy to the space.

Trail Time

The walking trails here are well-kept and clearly marked, wide enough that you won't feel crowded even during busier times. If you're power walking or just enjoying a leisurely stroll with your dog, there's room for everyone.

You'll come across some decent shade along portions of the path, which makes a big difference during Arizona's sunnier days. One cool feature is that the trail network actually extends beyond the park boundaries, crossing over the 101 freeway and offering some nice vantage points of the surrounding area.

Hoop Dreams

If basketball is more your speed, there's a basketball court where you can shoot around or join in on pickup games when they happen.

Parking Pointers

Note that parking works a bit differently here - you'll need to parallel park along either Galveston or Coronado Streets since there's no dedicated lot. One important tip: Price Road, which runs alongside as a frontage road, doesn't actually provide access to the park, so don't get confused by your GPS.

Practical Matters

The park offers some benches and a picnic area for relaxing, but you won't find covered pavilions for shade. Most people comment that the grounds are well-maintained with healthy grass throughout.

Just be aware that there are no public restrooms on site. If you're planning a longer visit, you might want to make a pit stop at the nearby Chandler Fashion Center or surrounding shops beforehand.

You can access the park from both sides of Highway 101, however it's worth mentioning that the park sits in a slight depression with some steeper sections that might be challenging if you have mobility concerns.