Rio Vista Community Park

Park Features and Amenities

Set in Peoria, Arizona, Rio Vista Community Park covers 52 acres just off Thunderbird Road. This spacious park has something for pretty much everyone, whether you're looking to burn some energy or just enjoy a peaceful afternoon outdoors.

The playground scene here is impressive with multiple play structures for kiddos of different ages, featuring a total of seven slides (yes, we counted!). What's great is that these play areas offer plenty of shade - a real blessing during those scorching Arizona days. Instead of dealing with woodchips that inevitably find their way into shoes, the playground has a soft rubberized surface that's cleaner and more inclusive for all children.

One thing that really stands out is the park's commitment to accessibility. There's a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, special swings designed for different abilities, and even musical toys that make playtime a more sensory experience.

Water Recreation

When temperatures climb, the gated splash pad becomes the place to be. It's open seasonally from April 15th to October 15th, typically starting at 10:00 AM daily. Perfect for those days when you need to cool off but don't feel like dealing with a full pool situation.

The park also boasts a beautiful 2.5-acre urban fishing lake that's regularly stocked with a variety of fish. The lake contains trout, catfish, large bass, sunfish, and white amur, with fresh trout typically added weekly on Thursdays or Fridays.

The lake isn't just for fishing enthusiasts, though. Small waterfalls along the edges create a peaceful atmosphere and attract local wildlife. You might spot ducks, geese, and various birds making themselves at home.

Sports Facilities

For those who prefer being active, the park has seven lighted softball fields, multi-purpose fields, lighted sand volleyball courts for evening play, and a skate park.

Feel like going for a walk, run, or bike ride? The park offers 16 miles of walking and bicycle trails including a striking large bridge that adds character to your journey. These well-maintained paths connect to the broader New River Trail system, so you can extend your adventure if you're feeling ambitious.

Picnic Areas and Gatherings

If you're planning a get-together, Rio Vista offers 13 different covered outdoor ramadas with grills. Many of these spots come with built-in sinks and serving counters - particularly handy if you're hosting something bigger like a family reunion or birthday party.

Just note that you'll need to reserve these ramadas through the City of Peoria, and they tend to book up quickly for weekends and holidays.

You'll also find clean restrooms and drinking fountains conveniently placed across the park, especially near the playground areas where they're needed most.

Special Features

A truly meaningful element of the park is the Veterans Memorial Wall that runs along the west side of the urban pond near the recreation center. It pays tribute to local veterans and includes a dedicated Vietnam Veterans section featuring a helicopter display - definitely worth taking a moment to appreciate.

The Rio Vista Recreation Center itself is a massive 52,000 square foot facility within the park boundaries. Inside, you'll discover a modern gym, indoor racquetball courts, rock climbing walls, basketball courts, and an indoor running track (where fifteen laps will get you a mile). The center hosts various community programs and activities during the year.

Accessibility and Hours

You can visit the park daily from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM. There's plenty of parking available, but it can fill up during weekends and special events - so you might want to arrive early during peak times.

One thing we really appreciate about Rio Vista is how it's designed with accessibility in mind. Paved paths, accessible play equipment, and facilities accommodate visitors of all abilities.