Riverview Park

Play & Recreation Spots

At the heart of Riverview Park lies an urban fishing lake where you can cast a line without leaving the city vibes behind. The lake is regularly stocked, drawing local anglers looking for a peaceful catch. Miles of accessible sidewalks wind around the water, fantastic for your morning jog, evening walk, or just stretching your legs whenever the mood strikes.

Across the park, you'll find plenty of open grassy areas for impromptu frisbee games or picnic blankets, alongside shaded picnic spots to escape the Arizona sun. Planning a bigger gathering? The reservable ramadas have you covered, complete with grilling stations for that perfect cookout. Restrooms are available on-site, however they tend to get crowded during busy times - just a heads-up.

A visitor enjoying the calm evening atmosphere on a park bench

Photo: Alexander Nie (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Playground Paradise

The playground features more than just the usual swing-and-slide equipment. Kids (and let's be honest, adults too) can challenge themselves on the impressive 50-foot tall Genesis climbing tower or tackle the 60-foot long caterpillar mesh rope climbing structure that looks straight out of an adventure park.

Little ones aren't left out - separate play areas are designed specifically for ages 2-5 and 6-12, with age-appropriate challenges. The playground's zipline is always a hit, along with various climbing structures that keep the fun fresh and exciting.

When Arizona heat kicks in, the splash pad becomes the place to be. This fenced-in water playground sprays, sprinkles, and splashes through multiple fountains, keeping kids cool and entertained. It stays open until 10 PM, making it an ideal spot to cool down even after the sun sets.

Blue waters of Riverview Lake stretch into the distance

Photo: Max (CC BY 2.0)

Getting Around

You can find Riverview Park at the northwest corner of Dobson and Rio Salado Parkway in Mesa. The park got a major facelift during the development of the Chicago Cubs' spring training facility nearby.

The park connects to the Rio Salado Pathway, a shared-use trail that runs along the Salt River Bank. This path links you directly to Sloan Park (where the Cubs do their spring training) and the Mesa Riverview shopping center, making it easy to combine a nature break with some shopping or a meal.

Palm trees line the edge of Riverview Lake with Camelback Mountain visible in the background

Photo: Max (CC BY 2.0)

Natural Beauty

The views can be quite nice, especially as the sun sets and lights begin to reflect off the water. A fountain sprays from the center of the lake, which looks especially nice when lit up after dark.

The grassy areas stay lush and well-kept, offering plenty of space to spread out or play. Keep your eyes open for the various birds and wildlife that call the park home - duck watching is particularly popular with families. If you're planning to feed the birds, bring some bird seed rather than bread for a healthier wildlife-friendly visit.