Freestone Park | Gilbert

Freestone Park is an expansive 88-acre recreational destination located in Gilbert, Arizona, designed to offer a wide array of activities and facilities that cater to families, sports enthusiasts, and community members of all ages. Established in 1988, the park has become one of Gilbert’s most popular outdoor spaces, providing a well-rounded experience combining active sports, leisure, nature, and entertainment within a beautifully maintained environment.

Location and Access

Situated at 1045 East Juniper Road, Freestone Park is easily accessible from multiple points in Gilbert and the surrounding East Valley area. The park operates daily from early morning (5:30 AM) to late evening (10:00 PM), accommodating early risers as well as those who prefer evening activities. Visitors benefit from plentiful free parking with over 470 spaces available in multiple lots throughout the park, ensuring convenience during peak usage times.

Key Attractions and Features

Freestone Railroad Family Fun Zone

One of the park’s signature attractions is the Freestone Railroad, a charming miniature railroad experience designed primarily for young children (ages 2 to 10). This area features:

A scaled-down train that takes children and families on a delightful ride around a portion of the park.

An antique carousel providing classic amusement.

A mini Ferris wheel adding a gentle thrill.

A waterless “Wave Runner” ride designed for fun without the mess.
This zone is complemented by a snack bar, picnic areas, and party facilities, making it an ideal spot for birthday celebrations and family outings.

Sports Complex and Athletic Facilities

Freestone Park serves as a major sports hub with facilities that accommodate a variety of athletic interests:

Softball fields: Four fully lighted adult softball diamonds support leagues and casual play.

Multi-use fields: Two fields suitable for soccer, lacrosse, or other field sports.

Basketball courts: Four full courts with lighting allow for day and night play.

Tennis courts: Four lighted courts for recreational or competitive tennis.

Sand volleyball courts: Two lighted courts designed for beach volleyball-style games.

Skate park: A large 22,000-square-foot skateboarding facility offering ramps, rails, and bowls for skaters of all skill levels.

Batting cages: Practicing baseball or softball hitters can utilize on-site batting cages.
This extensive array of sports amenities draws athletes from across the region and supports organized leagues, lessons, and drop-in play.

Lakes, Fishing, and Trails

The park contains two five-acre lakes that are stocked and maintained for recreational fishing, part of Gilbert’s Community Fishing Program. These serene bodies of water add scenic beauty to the park while providing a peaceful fishing experience for families and individuals.

Surrounding the lakes and other park areas are walking and jogging trails. These paved and natural paths wind through landscaped gardens, shaded areas, and open green spaces, making the park ideal for walkers, runners, cyclists, and nature lovers.

Playgrounds and Accessibility

Freestone Park includes three separate playgrounds designed to serve different age groups and abilities:

A tot lot for toddlers and very young children with age-appropriate equipment.

A playground for ages 5 to 12, offering more challenging climbing structures, swings, and slides.

A wheelchair-accessible playground designed with inclusive equipment and surfaces that cater to children with sensory or physical disabilities.
The park is certified as an IBCCES Autism Center, meaning it provides sensory-friendly amenities and programming that accommodate visitors with autism and other sensory sensitivities, making it a welcoming space for all families.

Freestone Recreation Center

Adjacent to the park is the Freestone Recreation Center, a comprehensive indoor facility enhancing the park’s recreational offerings. It includes:

A 42-foot indoor climbing wall for all skill levels.

A full-service fitness center with cardio, strength training, and group classes.

Gymnasium space for basketball, volleyball, and other court sports.

Racquetball courts.

An indoor running track.

Sauna and steam rooms for relaxation.
The center offers affordable membership options, fitness programs, and instructional classes for community members, making it a year-round destination for health and wellness.

Picnic and Community Amenities

The park features multiple picnic areas, including three reservable ramadas equipped with BBQ grills and shaded seating, as well as 13 open picnic tables scattered throughout the grounds. These spaces are perfect for casual family gatherings, group events, or community celebrations.

Additional amenities include:

Three well-maintained restroom facilities.

Outdoor checkerboards and recreational game tables.

Ample benches and bike racks distributed around the park.

Multiple trash and recycling receptacles to maintain cleanliness.
These amenities support comfortable day-long visits and community engagement.

Amphitheater and Events

Freestone Park includes an outdoor amphitheater that hosts community concerts, cultural events, festivals, and performances throughout the year. This venue provides a lively space for social gatherings and entertainment under the open sky, contributing to the park’s role as a central social hub for Gilbert.

Environmental and Community Impact

The park’s design integrates natural landscaping, sustainable irrigation practices, and native plantings, creating an inviting environment that respects Arizona’s desert climate while providing lush green spaces. It serves not only recreational and social functions but also enhances community health and wellness by encouraging active lifestyles and outdoor interaction.

Summary

Freestone Park stands out as a comprehensive, family-friendly, and multifaceted recreational complex in Gilbert. Its combination of extensive sports facilities, unique family attractions like the miniature railroad and playgrounds, scenic lakes and trails, and supportive community amenities creates an inclusive destination catering to all ages and interests. The presence of the adjacent recreation center further broadens its appeal as a year-round health and fitness resource, making Freestone Park a cornerstone of Gilbert’s park system and a key contributor to the town’s quality of life and community spirit.