Southside Park

Trail System

Southside Park has a half-mile trail that connects to the larger Rose Rudman Recreational Trail network, giving you plenty of options for a casual stroll, morning jog, or bike ride through nature.

The paved paths are spacious enough for families to walk side by side, with exercise equipment stations and clear mile markers dotting the route. As you make your way through, you'll be surrounded by beautiful trees and a peaceful creek that adds a soothing soundtrack to your outdoor adventure.

Playground Areas

Kids of all ages have something to enjoy here with two distinct playground areas thoughtfully designed for different stages of childhood. The toddler zone keeps the little ones entertained with age-appropriate equipment, while older children can challenge themselves on more advanced structures.

What's really nice is the cushioned, poured-in-place surface throughout the playgrounds - it's soft enough for crawling babies to explore and provides a safer landing for inevitable tumbles. In 2019, thanks to the Tyler Area Ambucs, the park added ADA-accessible playground equipment, making play time inclusive for children of all abilities.

Parents will appreciate the partial fence around the playground that helps prevent youngsters from wandering toward the creek or trails unattended.

Special Features

This isn't your average park playground. The musical instrument section adds a unique touch with xylophones, chimes, and drums that let kids explore their creative side while making some (hopefully) melodious noise. Children with special needs can join in the fun with adaptive swings designed for their comfort and safety.

Book lovers might stumble upon the Little Free Library where you can pick up a new read or leave behind a favorite for someone else to discover. And for cyclists, there's a handy air pump station to keep those tires properly inflated for trail riding.

Facilities

When you need a break, the covered picnic areas with tables offer a shady spot to enjoy lunch or a snack. Clean restrooms are available, and several pavilions provide shelter for larger gatherings.

There's a basketball court for shooting some hoops, however it's worth noting it has just one goal and limited court space - excellent for a quick game but not quite regulation size.

Staying hydrated is easy with water fountains scattered across the park, including pet-friendly options for four-legged visitors. And speaking of pets, dog waste stations with bags help everyone do their part to keep the grounds clean.

Recreation Options

Regardless of whether you're looking to break a sweat or simply unwind, Southside Park has options for both. The trails cater to those seeking exercise, while picnic areas and open spaces provide an excellent backdrop for relaxation or social gatherings.

The expansive grassy areas invite impromptu games of frisbee or catch, making this a versatile space that truly offers something for everyone.

Location and Access

You can find Southside Park just south of where Shiloh Road meets Donnybrook Avenue in Tyler, Texas.

Parking options include street spaces adjacent to the park and a dedicated lot on the far south side, accessible from Rieck Road. Just be aware that during popular times, finding a spot might require a bit of patience.

The park is open daily from 6AM to midnight, maintained by the City of Tyler Parks and Recreation Department.

Best Times to Visit

If you prefer a more peaceful experience, try visiting during early mornings or evenings when the crowds thin out. Weekends and holidays tend to draw the biggest gatherings.

During summer months, be mindful that some playground equipment - especially those metal slides - can heat up significantly in direct sunlight. While the park offers shaded areas, not all play equipment benefits from adequate coverage, so a quick touch-test before letting kids play is always a good idea.