Don Derr Park

History and Background

Situated in Riverside, California, Don Derr Park has been a community fixture since 1971. Spanning 24 acres, this public green space honors the legacy of Don Derr, a passionate conservation advocate who championed the development of parks as a means of land preservation.

Sports Facilities

If you're looking to break a sweat, Don Derr offers several options. Soccer enthusiasts can take advantage of two main fields measuring 340 feet and 300 feet in length, plus four smaller 200-foot fields. A nice feature: These fields come with painted lines and stadium lights for those evening kickarounds.

Baseball fans haven't been forgotten either. The park houses a baseball field complete with shaded bleachers, however it's worth noting it lacks an outfield fence and scoreboard. Some regulars mention that a little extra TLC for this area wouldn't hurt.

Basketball more your thing? You'll find a full court and a half court with three hoops total, properly marked with free-throw, three-point, and midcourt lines.

The sprawling grassy areas also attract informal sports gatherings, with some locals even using the space for cricket games. Talk about versatility!

Children's Play Areas

There's ample space for children to play here. The larger playground caters to older children with an array of equipment including slides, a fireman pole, ladders, a rock climbing wall, and even a zip line structure - which children seem to enjoy.

For the younger set (ages 2-5), there's a dedicated smaller playground. Traditional swings and toddler bucket swings round out the offerings.

The playground equipment is shaded, which is particularly helpful during hot California days. Just keep an eye out for the occasional spider web on the climbing structures, as maintenance can be hit or miss.

Trails and Walking Paths

Need to get your steps in? The park features a 1,500-foot asphalt trail that transitions into a dirt path, with various trails and sidewalks totaling 0.85 miles.

Just a heads up - the sidewalks don't completely loop around the park, so if you're hoping for a continuous circuit, you might need to improvise a bit.

Amenities

When hunger strikes, you'll find picnic tables scattered across the park, particularly near the parking area and playgrounds. With roughly four tables and several benches distributed across the grounds, it's easy to claim a spot for lunch or a casual hangout.

Nature calls? The park offers restroom facilities that are generally well-maintained, but occasionally they might be closed. This feature alone makes longer visits much more manageable, especially with kids in tow.

One of the park's natural highlights is its mature tree canopy, providing welcome relief from the sun even during the warmest parts of the day.

Parking and Access

Getting here is straightforward with a decent-sized lot off Monroe Street on the western edge, offering approximately 150 spaces. When that fills up, additional street parking is available on Monroe Street and in surrounding neighborhoods.

One cautionary note: train tracks border one side of the park without a protective fence. If you're visiting with little ones, you'll want to keep a close eye on them in this area.

Additional Information

Local trivia: you might hear some people refer to this space as Monroe Park, but rest assured both names point to the same location. Dog owners will be happy to know that four-legged friends are welcome, however this isn't designated as an official dog park.

During rainy seasons, you might notice water collecting around the lower edges of the park. The gates are open daily from 7AM to 9PM.

What really gives Don Derr Park its character is the atmosphere - locals describe it as a tranquil, family-friendly environment that's ideal for unwinding, people-watching, and creating those everyday family memories that somehow end up meaning the most.