Barrios Unidos Park

Green Escape Near the Runway

Tucked away near Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Barrios Unidos Park spans 14 acres of much-needed greenery in one of Phoenix's warmest neighborhoods. This green space offers locals a place to play, unwind, and connect. And if you're an aviation enthusiast, the park sits at the end of an airport runway, making it an excellent spot to watch planes descend and ascend against the Arizona sky.

Cultural Heart

At the park's core stands an amphitheater where community performances breathe life into warm evenings. Since 2020, the concrete platform has showcased a stunning indigenous sun stone calendar mural, celebrating Indigenous heritage and adding cultural depth to the space. The artwork scattered around the grounds reflects the community's cultural heritage.

Cooling the Urban Heat

In 2024, the park got a green makeover when Project EverGreen and ScottsMiracle-Gro joined forces with Phoenix to combat the urban heat island effect. Their solution? Planting 49 sturdy oak and elm trees standing 8-12 feet tall, promising much-needed shade for years to come. The recent additions on the west and north sides of the soccer fields will soon offer welcome relief for athletes and spectators alike during those scorching Arizona afternoons.

Play All Day

Sports options abound at Barrios Unidos, with well-maintained baseball and softball diamonds, expansive soccer fields, basketball courts with excellent lighting for evening games, and volleyball courts ready for action. The park buzzes with energy during soccer leagues for both grown-ups and kids, while baseball games and flag football matches regularly bring the community together.

Kids' Corner

Children enjoy the modern playground with its roundabout and musical instruments for creative play. While the equipment can heat up during peak sun hours (it is Phoenix, after all), recent improvements include comfortable wood chips underfoot and new shade trees beginning to offer coverage. When temperatures soar, the splash pad offers welcome relief from the heat.

Comfort and Safety

Scattered around the park, you'll come across welcoming picnic areas with tables well-suited for family gatherings, plus designated grilling areas for weekend cookouts. Clean restrooms are maintained during park hours, and the curvy walking paths invite casual strolls or more determined exercise routines. The park's location next to a police station means regular officer presence, adding to the overall sense of security.

Weekend Activities

Weekends at Barrios Unidos are busy with sporting events and gatherings. The open grassy areas and various facilities provide space for neighborhood activities and relaxation under the Arizona sun.