Todd Beamer Park

History and Significance

Situated in Fresno, California, Todd Beamer Park spans about 6 acres and is a cherished neighborhood hangout for locals of all ages.

The park pays tribute to Todd Beamer, a passenger on United Airlines Flight 93 during the September 11, 2001 attacks. His heroism and connection to Fresno - where he once studied at California State University - lives on through this community space.

What was once just an empty lot transformed into this multi-functional park, opening its gates to the public on February 26, 2010, with the goal of meeting diverse community needs.

Park Features

The layout of Todd Beamer Park creates distinct activity zones, allowing different activities to take place simultaneously without interference.

The park offers numerous athletic facilities, with plenty of options for younger visitors.

The skate park is particularly popular, with concrete surfaces, ramps, and transitions suitable for skaters of various skill levels. If you forget your safety gear, you're in luck - Parks and Recreation staff occasionally offer loaner helmets.

When the sun sets, good lighting within the park means the fun doesn't have to stop - excellent for evening sports practices or twilight strolls.

Play Areas

Little ones have options here with two separate playground structures - one designed for the under-5 crowd and another for kids 5 and older. Parents will appreciate that both play areas include shade coverings for those scorching Fresno days.

The playgrounds feature rubber padding underfoot for safer tumbles, but you might notice some areas could use a bit of TLC.

Come summer, the splash pad becomes the place to be. Kids of all ages flock to cool off in this water play area, with the highlight being the giant water bucket that fills up and dumps with dramatic effect - causing squeals of delight on hot afternoons.

Sports Facilities

Active types will find plenty to love at Todd Beamer Park. The basketball courts stay in good shape and often host friendly pickup games among locals.

Sprawling grassy areas equipped with soccer and football goals provide ample room for team sports or just tossing a ball around.

The generous layout makes it ideal for community sports programs, including organized flag football through Parks and Recreation.

Dog Park

For the four-legged members of your family, the dog park area offers a convenient spot to run and play, just a quick five-minute drive from many nearby neighborhoods.

While not the biggest dog park you'll find, it includes some agility equipment to keep your pup entertained and exercised. You'll often find tennis balls already there - left behind by previous visitors for communal use.

One thing to note: there's no separate section for small and large dogs, so you'll want to keep an eye on your little pup if bigger dogs are playing nearby.

Amenities

You'll come across clean restroom facilities across the park - a simple but essential feature that doesn't go unappreciated.

Plenty of picnic tables are scattered around, with a concentration near the playgrounds, making it easy to set up base camp for birthday parties or family gatherings.

There's a dedicated parking lot, but it can get crowded during busy times or special events like Fit Fest when vendors and activities draw larger crowds.

Atmosphere

Located in a safer part of Fresno across from an elementary school, Todd Beamer Park maintains a welcoming, family-oriented vibe. The grounds are generally clean and well-maintained.

Most visitors are families who come specifically for the park's amenities, creating a pleasant, community-focused atmosphere.

The park accommodates visitors of all ages - from toddlers enjoying the water features to teenagers using the skate park and adults walking or relaxing.