Courthouse Park

A Touch of Fresno History

This place has been part of Fresno's social fabric since the 1870s - that's Courthouse Park. Covering four city blocks where Mariposa meets L Street, this green space surrounds the Fresno County Courthouse and has been a central gathering spot for more than 150 years.

Back in 1872, the Central Pacific Railroad offered up these four blocks for a park and future courthouse. Interestingly, locals initially thought it was too far from downtown business action, but they eventually came around to the idea.

The Earth is a Sculpture fountain displayed in front of the courthouse

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From Empty Land to Community Heart

By 1874, Fresno officially became the county seat, and construction kicked off on a courthouse right in the middle of the park. This pretty much sealed the deal on the park becoming the nucleus of county government.

Over the decades, this patch of green has quietly witnessed countless moments in Fresno's story. From celebratory gatherings to more somber occasions, the park has seen it all. Some standout moments? The funeral services for Dr. Rowell and that impromptu 2 a.m. Thanksgiving service on November 11, 1918, when folks gathered to celebrate the end of World War I.

Lao Hmong American War Memorial depicting soldiers evacuating a downed pilot

Photo: Thank You (25 Millions ) views (CC BY 2.0)

What You'll Find Today

Take a stroll through Courthouse Park and you'll discover shaded pathways, green lawns, and a collection of thoughtful memorials that tell the tale of Fresno County. These monuments aren't just decorative - they're windows into the community's past.

Don't miss the David of Sassoun statue, a powerful tribute to Armenian heritage that also honors the 1.5 million lives lost in the Armenian Genocide of 1915. The Laos Vietnam Memorial stands as another moving reminder, paying respect to fallen heroes.

Within the grounds, you can find plenty of benches where you can take a load off and soak in the atmosphere. The mature shade trees provide welcome relief during Fresno's scorching summer days, creating pockets of cool, peaceful space.

Clement Renzi's sculpture honoring three clergymen who fostered interfaith dialogue

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The Local Wildlife Scene

Keep your eyes peeled for the park's unofficial mascots - squirrels and pigeons that have practically become local celebrities. Visitors often spot people sharing snacks with these critters, creating those small but sweet moments of connection between humans and nature right in the middle of the city.

The wide concrete walkways make getting around a breeze for everyone, and the grounds are kept in tip-top shape. If you happen to visit during summer, you might catch the jasmine in bloom, filling the air with its intoxicating scent.

Bronze statue of David of Sassoon beside the Hall of Records building

Photo: Thank You (25 Millions ) views (CC BY 2.0)

Getting There and Getting Around

Beyond being a lovely green space, Courthouse Park acts as a key transportation hub for downtown Fresno. You'll come across multiple FAX bus stops and BRT platforms surrounding the park, making it super convenient if you're using public transport. The V-line bus between Fresno and Visalia also makes a stop here.

If you're driving, there's underground parking available beneath the park. Just note that it's not free - rates are calculated in 15-minute chunks. An interesting bonus: this underground structure connects to the Fulton Mall through a passageway below street level.

The park welcomes visitors daily from 7AM to 7PM, giving you plenty of time to enjoy this historic green retreat in the heart of downtown Fresno.