Freestone Park | Mesa

Although Freestone Park is officially located in Gilbert, it sits directly on the Mesa-Gilbert border, making it a convenient and beloved destination for many Mesa residents. Its vast selection of features-ranging from lush scenery to family entertainment and sports infrastructure-makes it one of the most comprehensive parks accessible from Mesa.

Location Context: Mesa & Freestone Park

Distance from Central Mesa: Approximately 10 minutes by car via Guadalupe Road or Baseline Road. The park’s address is 1045 E Juniper Rd, but it lies just east of Lindsay Road, a main artery that connects directly with Mesa neighborhoods.

Public Transit Accessibility: Nearby bus routes and bike-friendly roads allow Mesa residents-especially those from East Mesa or the Dobson Ranch area-easy access. There are pedestrian walkways from the Mesa side into Gilbert’s park boundary.

Scenic & Natural Elements

Lakeside Experience:
The park features two lakes, covering a combined area of around 5 acres, stocked regularly for public fishing. Mesa residents frequently use this space for relaxing weekends, family fishing outings, or sunset walks.

Landscape:

Grassy expanses with mature trees and desert-friendly landscaping

Winding paved paths suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, and bikes

Abundant bird life including ducks, egrets, and seasonal migratory species

Decorative lighting and footbridges create scenic photo spots, especially at dusk

Playgrounds & Youth Features

Three Distinct Playgrounds:

Tot Playground: Fenced-in for safety, with padded surfaces, toddler swings, small slides

Inclusive Playground: Wheelchair-friendly ramps, sensory panels, adaptive swings

5–12 Playground: Larger climbing structures, monkey bars, ziplines, interactive games
These playgrounds are all shaded by large canopies and have adjacent picnic areas, making them popular weekend gathering spots for Mesa families.

Freestone Railroad (Mini Amusement Area):
This attraction is a key draw for families from Mesa and Gilbert alike. It features:

Miniature train that circles the lake and part of the park

Antique carousel with classic horses and music

Mini Ferris wheel and mini roller coaster-style rides for younger children

Pony rides and seasonal attractions during holidays (e.g., “Spooktacular”, “Holiday Lights Ride”)
Ride tickets can be purchased individually or in bundles; pricing is affordable, and the area is stroller-friendly with shaded seating.

Sports Facilities

Skate Park:

A large 22,000-square-foot concrete facility

Features: deep bowls, quarter pipes, rails, stairs, boxes, and manual pads

Open to skateboarders, rollerbladers, BMX riders

Helmets are highly encouraged; park closes at 9 PM (an hour earlier than the rest of the park)

Frequented by Mesa youth due to its proximity and quality construction

Basketball Courts:

Four full-sized, lighted courts

Open for free play and occasional organized youth leagues

Court surfaces are smooth and repainted regularly

Tennis Courts:

Four well-maintained lighted courts, available for casual use or reservation

Often used for local lessons or recreational doubles matches

Sand Volleyball Courts:

Two sand courts with built-in misters to cool the sand

Open to the public, often used for group games or informal leagues

Softball Fields & Multi-Use Fields:

Four adult softball fields with bleachers, scoreboards, and fencing

Two large open fields suitable for soccer, ultimate frisbee, flag football

These fields are available for both drop-in use and league reservation

Recreation Center (Adjacent to Park)

Though just outside the open park area, the Freestone Recreation Center is widely used by Mesa residents, especially those seeking indoor facilities. Features include:

Full gym with cardio/strength equipment

Indoor track, racquetball courts, and basketball gym

Fitness classes (yoga, martial arts, dance, spin)

Indoor climbing wall

Youth programs and summer camps

Daily drop-in passes or monthly memberships available

Picnic, Event, and Social Areas

Large Group Ramadas:

Three reservable covered structures with electrical outlets, lights, and seating for groups

Each near grills, restrooms, and close to playgrounds or lakes

Ideal for birthday parties, company picnics, and school events

Open Picnic Areas:

Dozens of non-reservable shaded picnic tables and benches throughout the park

Most have access to trash bins, BBQ grills, and water fountains

Amphitheater:

Small outdoor stage area used for local performances, school showcases, and seasonal events

Surrounded by grassy hillside for seating

Trails & Connectivity

Paved Loop Trail:

Circles the park, measuring just under 1 mile

Great for walkers, joggers, and pet owners

Benches every few hundred feet

Regional Trail Connection:

Connects indirectly to the Sun Circle Trail, which links parts of Mesa with Gilbert and Chandler

Cyclists can ride from Dobson Ranch or Mesa Country Club area with ease

Accessibility & Safety

ADA Compliance:

Wheelchair-accessible trails, restrooms, parking spaces, and playground features

Designated parking spots near all major areas

Safety Features:

Routine patrols by Gilbert police and park staff

Ample lighting throughout, especially near the skate park and courts

Park is cleaned daily; restrooms and high-touch areas disinfected regularly

Events & Programs (Community-Based)

Many Mesa-based families and organizations participate in the seasonal programs hosted at Freestone Park:

Sunrise Series 5K Runs during summer

Outdoor Movie Nights on the lawns during spring and fall

Holiday-themed rides and light displays around the Freestone Railroad

Youth leagues often play at Freestone fields even if based in Mesa schools or organizations

Summary

Freestone Park is not just a Gilbert gem-it serves as a major recreational hub for nearby Mesa residents due to its close proximity, variety, and high-quality amenities. Whether you're visiting for lakeside relaxation, playground adventures with children, sporting events, or fitness programs, the park provides a full-spectrum outdoor experience. Its connection to Mesa is both geographic and cultural, with many local families regarding it as part of their neighborhood landscape despite the municipal boundary.