There is no denying that August in Arizona is hot. But our smallest and youngest community members—our kids and pets—still need to run and play. With so many great parks nearby, you're in luck. Splash pads, gated dog parks and covered playgrounds make for August-friendly outdoor activities.
Peoria has dozens of parks, but the three community parks offer great amenities and something for everyone. As Mayor Cathy Carlat says, "As our city continues to grow, we must be vigilant to safeguard access to our unique, natural environment while creating areas that allow families and friends to have fun and enjoy the mental and physical benefits of the Sonoran Desert."
Rio Vista Community Park
While the 52-acre Rio Vista Community Park doesn't have a pet park, it does have a splash pad, an urban lake for fishing, lighted sand volleyball courts, the Rio Vista Skate Park and the Rio Vista Recreation Center.
The splash pad is open mid-April through mid-October from 10 am to 8 pm. Kids of all ages will enjoy a cool splash in the midst of those triple-digit days.
The skatepark is popular with the teens and offers spaces easy enough for beginners but challenging enough for experts. The skatepark is lighted, so skaters can enjoy it during park hours, from 6 am to 10:30 pm. There is also shaded seating.
When things get really hot outside, you can head indoors to the Rio Vista Recreation Center. With brand new carpet and recoated floors, this great facility just skyrocketed to the next level. This family-friendly facility features a public gym, indoor racquetball courts, climbing walls, and more. The rec center, which does charge admission, is open weekdays from 5 am to 8 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 4 pm.
Pioneer Community Park
The 83-acre Pioneer Community Park offers a 5-acre urban lake for fishing, lighted ball fields, a dog park, and a great shaded playground and splash pad. Your little ones won't want to leave! The park is open 6 am to 10:30 pm daily. You can go online to reserve a covered ramada.
Be sure to purchase your Urban Fishing License—available online at AZGFD.com—and cast a line for trout, catfish, bash, or sunfish.
Paloma Community Park
North Peoria's newest park, on Lake Pleasant Parkway just south of Loop 303, spans 85 acres in the first phase. The second phase will develop an additional 40 acres and connect to surrounding trails.
You can find something for everyone at this large park, which is truly an oasis in the desert. There are lighted ball and multi-purpose fields, lighted pickelball courts, a fishing lake with a deck, a newly opened splash pad and inclusive-designed playground, as well as a lighted dog park.
The park is open 6 am to 10:30 pm daily and you can fish with an Urban Fishing License during those hours. The opening of this beautiful new park has been highly anticipated in the community. Peoria Mesquite District councilmember Bridget Binsbacher says, "Paloma Community Park is another shining example of Peoria's commitment to providing the highest quality of life and recreational amenities to its residents."
Enjoy All the Dog Parks
There are six dog parks in Peoria. In addition to Paloma and Pioneer, you can take your four-legged family members to Alta Vista Park (10631 W Williams Rd), Parkridge Park (9734 W Beardsley Rd), Scotland Yard Park (9251 W Scotland Ave) and Sunnyslope Park (9280 N 71st Ave).
Remember that dogs must be on a leash until they are safely inside the gated dog park. You can take two dogs per handler and dogs must be licensed and vaccinated. Please no puppies younger than four months and remember to clean up after your pet.
Splash Pads Galore
There are four splash pads in Peoria parks. Along with the large splash pads at the three community parks, you can take the kiddos for some watery fun at the small splash pad at Camino A Lago Park, located at Lake Pleasant Pkwy and 98th Avenue.
Splash pads in Peoria parks are open from April 15 through October 15 between 10 am and 8 pm. There are playgrounds and restrooms near all splash pads.
Just because it's hot, it doesn't mean you can't get outside and enjoy our desert lifestyle. Find all the details about area parks online at PeoriaAZ.gov.
Peoria Community Parks
Rio Vista Community Park
Rio Vista is at 8866 W Thunderbird Rd. The entrance is a third mile west of Loop 101 on Thunderbird. Park, playground, walking trails, lighted sport fields, and skate park are open 6 am to 10:30 pm daily. The splash pad is open 10 am to 8 pm between mid-April and mid-October. Rio Vista Recreation Center is open 5 am to 8 pm weekdays and 9 am to 4 pm Saturday. You can pay a daily admission price or buy a membership. There is no dog park at Rio Vista.
Pioneer Community Park
Pioneer is at 8755 N. 83rd Avenue and Olive, just west of US 60. The lighted ball and multipurpose fields, dog park, playground, and urban lake are open from 6 am to 10:30 pm daily. The splash pad is open 10 am to 8 pm between April 15 and October 15. Go online to reserve ramadas and grills.
Paloma Community Park
Paloma is Peoria's newest community park, covering 85 acres at 29799 N. Lake Pleasant Pkwy and Dixileta Dr, south of the Loop 303. The lighted fields and pickle ball courts, along with the fishing lake, playground, and dog park, are open 6 am to 10:30 pm daily. The splash pad is open 10 am to 8 pm April 15 through October 15. Reserve ramadas online.