Riverview Park | Mesa

Riverview Park, located at 2100 W Rio Salado Parkway in Mesa, Arizona, is a large, multi-purpose recreational complex designed to serve as a vibrant community hub for sports, outdoor activities, family outings, and social events. Situated at the northwest corner of Dobson Road and Rio Salado Parkway, this park has been thoughtfully developed and renovated to provide a wide variety of amenities appealing to residents and visitors alike. It combines natural elements with modern facilities, making it one of the premier parks in the East Valley region.

Park Layout and Environment

Riverview Park spans a substantial area encompassing multiple sports complexes, water features, playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking paths. The park is bordered by the Rio Salado Pathway, which connects it to Tempe Town Lake and the Mesa Riverview Shopping Center, facilitating pedestrian and bike access while linking several key points of interest. The landscaping throughout the park blends native desert flora with lush, irrigated green spaces to create a balance between Arizona’s natural environment and recreational usability.

Key Features and Facilities

1. Sloan Park – Baseball Complex

Sloan Park is the centerpiece of Riverview Park’s sports facilities and serves as the Chicago Cubs’ spring training stadium. This professional-level baseball complex features four baseball fields built to official Major League Baseball dimensions, each with 90-foot skinned infields and outfield fences ranging between 350 to 400 feet. The fields are equipped with covered dugouts, electronic scoreboards, and quality lighting, supporting both professional and community use.

Sloan Park is open to the public outside of spring training season, from May 1st through mid-January, providing a rare opportunity for local leagues and amateur players to experience top-tier baseball fields. The complex also hosts various tournaments and events, drawing athletes and fans from the region.

2. Community Fishing Lake

Riverview Park boasts a 3-acre urban fishing lake, stocked regularly with popular species such as rainbow trout, largemouth bass, sunfish, and catfish. Managed in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the lake offers an accessible and family-friendly fishing experience within the city limits. The fishing lake is equipped with seating areas and shaded spots, making it comfortable for anglers of all ages to enjoy extended visits. It’s a favored spot for weekend outings and youth fishing events.

3. Playground Extravaganza

One of the park’s most popular attractions for families is its expansive playground area, which has been designed to cater to children across multiple age groups with safety and fun as top priorities. Key playground features include:

A 50-foot tall Genesis climbing tower, offering challenging vertical climbing opportunities for older children.

A 60-foot long caterpillar mesh rope climbing structure, which encourages agility, balance, and coordination.

Separate playground clusters for children ages 2–5 and 6–12, each equipped with age-appropriate swings, slides, and interactive play components.

Rubberized surfacing throughout the play areas, which enhances safety by providing cushioning against falls.

Shaded areas surrounding the playgrounds, equipped with picnic tables and benches to provide comfort for supervising adults.

A zip line feature intended to add excitement, although it is currently closed for maintenance.

The playground’s design supports both structured and imaginative play, promoting physical activity and social interaction in a safe environment.

4. Spray Ground (Splash Pad)

The park’s spray ground is a modern water play area featuring multiple fountains, jets, and interactive water features designed to provide cooling fun during Mesa’s hot months. It operates daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, offering an accessible and free way for families and children to stay refreshed. The splash pad’s layout is fully accessible and includes seating and shaded areas around it.

5. Multi-Use Sports Fields

Riverview Park includes an extensive sports complex consisting of:

Four full-sized soccer fields meeting regulation dimensions.

Two smaller multi-use fields that accommodate sports such as football, rugby, lacrosse, and community events.

These fields are available for public use, primarily from June through mid-January, and are often utilized for organized leagues, pick-up games, tournaments, and youth sports programs. The fields are equipped with lighting for evening play and are maintained to high standards to ensure optimal playing conditions year-round.

6. Picnic Ramadas and Open Spaces

Throughout the park, shaded picnic ramadas provide ideal locations for family gatherings, celebrations, or simply relaxing outdoors. These ramadas are equipped with tables, grills, and benches and are reservable for a minimum of two hours. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance by phone through Mesa Parks and Recreation.

Open grassy areas and well-maintained landscaping encourage informal recreational activities such as frisbee, yoga, or casual strolls. The park also features accessible restrooms and drinking fountains scattered conveniently throughout.

Connectivity and Accessibility

Riverview Park is well-integrated with the surrounding community through the Rio Salado Pathway, a shared-use trail popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists. This pathway links the park to Tempe Town Lake and the Mesa Riverview Shopping Center, providing scenic routes along the water and connecting recreational and commercial hubs.

The park’s infrastructure prioritizes accessibility, featuring paved, wheelchair-friendly pathways, accessible restrooms, and parking spaces designated for visitors with disabilities. These accommodations ensure all community members can enjoy the park comfortably and safely.

Hours of Operation and Visitor Information

The park is open daily from sunrise to 10:00 PM, allowing for early morning exercise and evening activities.

The splash pad operates daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Picnic ramadas and sports facilities require advance reservations for organized groups.

On-site signage provides clear directions and information for visitors.

The park is pet-friendly, with designated areas and rules in place to maintain cleanliness and safety.

Community Impact and Usage

Riverview Park serves as a vital recreational and social space for the city of Mesa and the broader East Valley community. Its multi-functional design accommodates diverse interests, from professional sports training to family leisure and youth development programs. By hosting sports tournaments, fishing derbies, community picnics, and cultural events, the park fosters community engagement and active lifestyles.

The presence of Sloan Park attracts tourists and sports fans annually for Major League Baseball spring training, boosting local economic activity through tourism and hospitality sectors.

Summary

Riverview Park is a comprehensive urban park offering an exceptional blend of sports, recreation, nature, and community space. Its high-quality baseball facilities, fishing lake, expansive playground, splash pad, and sports fields make it an attractive destination for visitors of all ages. The park’s thoughtful design prioritizes accessibility, safety, and community connection, making it a cornerstone of Mesa’s outdoor and cultural offerings. Whether for a family outing, athletic event, or quiet afternoon by the lake, Riverview Park delivers a dynamic and enjoyable experience in a beautifully maintained setting.