John Lyons Park

From Empty Lot to Neighborhood Site

Positioned in a bustling Eastside neighborhood of El Paso, John Lyons Park has quite the backstory. What was once just an empty lot has blossomed into a lively green space where the community comes together. It's pretty remarkable to see how this transformation happened through local dedication to creating accessible outdoor spaces where people can play, exercise, and just enjoy being outside.

Recent renovations have given the park a nice facelift, making it feel safe and well-kept even after the sun goes down. It's become one of those spots where you can reliably find families enjoying themselves throughout the day.

Get Moving

If you're looking to get some steps in, the park offers a 0.4-mile loop walking path that's well-suited for a quick jog or a leisurely stroll. The path isn't overwhelmingly long, which makes it approachable for most fitness levels, and the surroundings make your walk a bit more interesting than trudging on a treadmill.

For those wanting to level up their workout, there's a dedicated fitness area with various exercise equipment. This workout circuit lets you squeeze in some strength training without needing a gym membership - a nice perk for the fitness-minded neighbors.

Room to Breathe

One of the park's standout features is its large open turf area - essentially a big, grassy field where you can do just about anything. Throw a frisbee, kick a soccer ball around, or just spread out a blanket for a picnic. The space is versatile enough to accommodate whatever outdoor activity you're in the mood for.

There's also a covered pavilion with benches where you can take a breather in the shade, which is especially appreciated during those scorching Texas summer days. While there's plenty of picnic space available, the actual tables are somewhat limited, so bringing a blanket for grass seating isn't a bad idea if you're planning to eat outdoors.

Sports Central

The park caters nicely to sports enthusiasts. There's a basketball court for pickup games and a surprisingly nice sand volleyball court that's well-maintained - the quality sand might even make you forget you're not at the beach.

Soccer players will appreciate the dedicated soccer area complete with permanent nets, eliminating the need to bring your own equipment. Whether you're shooting hoops, spiking volleyballs, or scoring goals, there are plenty of options for active recreation.

Kid-Friendly Fun

For the little ones, the playground is a definite highlight. It thoughtfully includes swings designed for both toddlers and older kids, ensuring everyone gets a turn. One of the more unique play features is the collection of dinosaur bones and eggs that kids can climb on and explore - a fun twist on the standard playground equipment.

A recent improvement includes adding a roof over part of the play area, providing some much-needed shade. That said, on the hottest summer days, some of the equipment can still get pretty warm, so you might want to check the metal slides with your hand before letting kids climb on.

Good to Know

The park does have restroom facilities available, but their cleanliness can be hit or miss depending on when you visit. If you're planning an evening visit, you'll be glad to know the area is generally well-lit, adding an extra layer of safety.

One small drawback: parking can be limited, which becomes noticeable during busy times or special events. You might end up parking on the surrounding streets when the lot fills up, so it's worth keeping this in mind if you're heading over on a weekend or holiday.

More Than Just a Park

John Lyons Park has grown into a place where El Paso residents connect, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors together.

Whether you're a longtime local or just passing through, it's a nice spot to experience a bit of everyday El Paso life.