Fairmount Park

A Park With History

Dating back to 1898, Fairmount Park carries quite the pedigree - it was designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm in 1911, the same family behind New York's Central Park. Sprawling across 250 acres, this urban oasis has been Riverside's go-to outdoor retreat for over a century.

Wild vegetation and dirt path leading through the park

Photo: nccmrm97 (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Lakes and Waters

The park features three lakes - Lake Evans, Brown Lake, and Fairmount Lake - perfect spots to cast a line or paddle around. Lake Evans has a small island dotted with palm trees and lush vegetation that makes for some lovely views.

Back in 2008, these lakes got a $1.5 million makeover, breathing new life into the fishing and boating scenes. You'll spot plenty of ducks and geese gliding across the water - bring your camera, but maybe leave the bread at home (it's not great for the feathered friends).

Looking northeast across the lake in evening light

Photo: nccmrm97 (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Natural Beauty

Take a stroll under the park's magnificent canopy of trees, including some Montezuma Bald Cypress trees that have been standing tall for nearly 200 years. These gentle giants provide welcome shade during those warm California days.

The park also has a well-kept Rose Garden with a gazebo that's worth a walk-through even if you're not there for a special occasion. It's a popular backdrop for wedding and quinceañera photos, so don't be surprised if you find a photo session in progress.

A grassy clearing near the lake

Photo: nccmrm97 (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Something for Everyone

In 2010, the park added a $2.6 million universally accessible playground designed with all children in mind. With multiple play areas scattered within the grounds, kids have plenty of spaces to burn off energy.

The park serves many purposes, from morning jogs to family reunions. You'll come across numerous picnic tables and BBQ grills (especially around Lake Evans) nestled under shady trees - ideal for those weekend get-togethers.

Tall palm trees rise among native trees under cloudy skies

Photo: nccmrm97 (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Get Active

Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck in the lakes, though there's an important health notice for Lake Evans: the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has issued a fish consumption advisory due to elevated levels of mercury and PCBs, with a "DO NOT EAT" designation applying specifically to catfish. Fishing is still allowed, but catch-and-release is the way to go.

If you prefer staying on land, explore the walking and biking trails that meander around the water and through wooded areas. Sports fans haven't been forgotten either - the park features tennis courts and basketball courts, a beginner-friendly 9-hole golf course, and a lawn bowling court that has been in use since the 1920s and remains one of the park's oldest active recreational spaces.

Tranquil morning reflections on Lake Evans surrounded by drooping trees

Photo: nccmrm97 (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Historical Touches

Music and architecture buffs will appreciate the park's band shell, designed in 1920 by Mission-style architect Arthur Burnett Benton and now recognized as a local landmark. During summer, it comes alive with weekly concerts that bring the community together.

Near the park's formal entrance on Market Street stands Union Pacific Engine No. 6051, a historic locomotive placed here in 1954 to mark the 50th anniversary of the railroad's arrival in Riverside. Close by, the World War II Water Buffalo Tank Memorial - an amphibious assault vehicle installed by the American Legion in 1949 on a ramp descending toward Lake Evans - honors Riverside's specific role in manufacturing the vehicle during the war.

Lake Evans' western shoreline is lined with trees

Photo: nccmrm97 (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Community Spirit

All year long, Fairmount Park hosts various community gatherings - from concerts at the band shell to car shows and holiday celebrations. The American Legion Hall on the grounds also represents a meeting place for various local groups.

With its scenic lakes and historic structures, the park provides a beautiful backdrop for photography - you'll often spot people capturing quinceañera and wedding photos here.