Shamel Park

History and Origins

Shamel Park is a 9-acre public park located in Riverside, California. Established on land that was formerly owned by Lorenzo and Mary Elizabeth Darling, the park was named after Archibald D. Shamel, a long-time member of the Riverside Park Board and plant physiologist at the Riverside Citrus Experiment Station.

Swimming Facilities

The centerpiece of the park is a large swimming pool complex, which includes a main pool suitable for lap swimming and a smaller pool for younger children. The pool area is often used by local high school swim teams and offers swimming lessons to the community.

Playground Areas

Shamel Park boasts two separate playground areas designed for different age groups. The larger playground has tall slides, a rope wall, spinning wheels, and fireman poles, while the smaller playground includes tube slides, tunnels, and interactive games.

Both playgrounds are equipped with swings, including bucket swings for toddlers.

Sports Facilities

For sports enthusiasts, the park offers two baseball fields, each 200 feet long. The southern field is equipped with a scoreboard and both fields have outfield fences.

Tennis courts and pickleball facilities are also available for visitors.

Picnic and Relaxation Areas

The park provides ample green space for relaxation and picnicking. Several picnic tables are scattered throughout the grounds, with some located under shade structures.

Grills are available for cookouts, making it a popular spot for family gatherings and community events.

Visitor Information

Shamel Park is typically busiest around 9 AM and 4 PM, with weekends seeing higher visitor numbers due to Little League games and family outings.