Gilbert, Arizona is a vibrant and growing town located in the southeast valley region of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Gilbert has been recognized as one of the best places to live in the United States. The town offers residents and visitors a wide variety of parks and recreational areas to enjoy.
From large multi-use regional parks to quaint neighborhood parks, Gilbert has something for everyone. Many of the parks feature playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails, and picnic areas. Some also have pools, skate parks, dog parks, gardens, and outdoor event venues. With mild winters and over 300 sunny days per year, the parks in Gilbert can be enjoyed year-round.
Whether you’re a family looking for places to picnic and play, a fitness enthusiast seeking running and hiking trails, or an individual wanting to relax in nature, the 12 parks featured below offer welcoming green spaces in Gilbert for all interests and ages.
Cosmo Dog Park – A Large, Off-Leash Park for Canines
Cosmo Dog Park is a 2.5 acre park specifically designated for dogs and their owners. As Gilbert’s only off-leash dog park, it provides pups a safe place to play and socialize. The park has separated areas for large and small dogs to run unleashed.
Shade ramadas, benches, walking paths, and water fountains provide comfort and convenience for pet owners. Dogs have access to two water features for cooling off when playing. Owners should bring waste bags to clean up after their pets. Cosmo Dog Park offers an ideal setting in Gilbert for dogs to get exercise and have fun with other furry friends.
Location: 550 E Ray Rd
Amenities: Ramadas, benches, walking paths, waste bags, water fountains/features
Discovery Park – Gilbert’s Newest Community Park
Opened in 2020, Discovery Park is one of Gilbert’s newest and largest parks at 75 acres. It has quickly become a popular spot for recreation and community events. Discovery Park provides facilities for both active and passive activities.
With a large water play area, several playgrounds, grass fields, a walking trail around the park, and open green space, families can spread out blankets for picnics or kids can burn energy at the playground and splash pads. Sports enthusiasts utilize the athletic fields, basketball, racquetball, and sand volleyball courts. Inside the recreation center are game rooms, arts and crafts rooms, and classroom space.
Special events are hosted at both the park’s amphitheater and events lawn throughout the year. Discovery Park brings Gilbert residents together for play, exercise, sports, classes, and community programming.
Location: 755 E Knox Rd
Amenities: Playgrounds, splash pads, athletic fields, courts, amphitheater, recreation center
Freestone Park – Lakeside Park Offering Aquatic Recreation
Nestled alongside 52-acre Freestone Park Lake, Freestone Park provides visitors with opportunities for aquatic recreation. The centerpiece of the park is a swim beach along the lakeshore. Lifeguards supervise the swim area that has sections designated for swimming and water play.
The lake is also popular for catch-and-release fishing, paddle boating, kayaking, and pedal boating. Visitors can rent equipment from the Boat House and launch from the nearby ramps and docks. Walking trails wrap around the lake for scenic views and wildlife watching. With grass areas, ramadas, and playgrounds surrounding its shores, Freestone Park invites families and friends to gather for picnics and enjoy the lake.
Location: 1045 E Juniper Ave
Amenities: Lake, swim beach, paddle boats, kayaks, trails, picnic areas
Gilbert Regional Park – Large Park Offering Diverse Athletic Facilities
Gilbert Regional Park spans 95 acres and contains athletic facilities that make it a popular spot for sports tournaments, practices, games, and individual recreation. Visitors have access to aquatics, baseball, softball, football, tennis, volleyball, and multipurpose fields.
Its baseball quadplex has 4 lighted fields with covered dugouts, concession stands, and bleachers. Adjacent softball quadplex has 4 lighted softball fields arranged with similar amenities. Multipurpose fields have lighting and can accommodate football, rugby, soccer, and lacrosse. The park also contains 12 tennis courts and 8 sand volleyball courts.
The Leah Braun Aquatic Center within Gilbert Regional Park has a competition pool, recreation pool with slides/play features, and splash playground. With abundant sports facilities, Gilbert Regional Park serves both competitive athletics and casual recreation for all ages.
Location: 90 E Civic Center Dr
Amenities: Baseball/softball fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball, multipurpose fields, aquatic center with pools
Crossroads District Park – Urban Park in Gilbert’s Entertainment District
In the heart of Gilbert’s Crossroads District entertainment and shopping area, Crossroads District Park provides an oasis of green space. Shade trees, lawn areas, and walking paths make it an inviting spot. A playground with a splash pad gives kids a place to have fun when visiting the nearby restaurants and shops.
Throughout the year, community events like farmers markets, art fairs, and summer concerts bring residents together at Crossroads District Park. Being in a centralized, walkable area makes this urban park easily accessible for visitors and families exploring downtown Gilbert. They can relax outdoors while still being steps away from shopping, dining, and entertainment along the tree-lined streets radiating out from the park.
Location: 50 E Civic Center Dr, Gilbert, AZ 85296
Amenities: Playground, splash pad, open lawn areas, walking paths
McQueen Park – Active Neighborhood Park with Aquatic Center
McQueen Park spans 58 acres within a Gilbert neighborhood, offering close-to-home recreation. With playground equipment, lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, athletic fields, and picnic ramadas, it meets many recreation needs.
The Gilbert Aquatic Center sits adjacent to McQueen Park. The facility features recreational pools, lap lanes, diving boards, water slides, splash playground, and shaded seating areas.
Together, McQueen Park and Aquatic Center create an active area bustling with neighbors playing sports, taking swim lessons, or using the playground. It serves as a valued recreation hub for Gilbert families.
Location: 510 N McQueen Rd
Amenities: Playgrounds, tennis/basketball courts, athletic fields, ramadas, Gilbert Aquatic Center
Town Square Park – Quaint Downtown Gathering Spot
In the heart of downtown Gilbert, Town Square Park provides space for community gatherings and public events that represent the area’s history and values. Shaded by mature trees, signature community events that fill the park include parades, pioneer days, farmers markets, and summer concert series.
Daily visitors also enjoy the park’s lawns, walking paths, and central fountain. As home to Gilbert’s first town site and its founder’s homestead from 1912, Town Square Park pays homage to the town’s roots with a historical gazebo and monuments to key figures. With a balance of open space and cultural touchpoints, Town Square Park remains Gilbert’s quintessential community square.
Location: 10 W Page Ave
Amenities: Open lawn areas, walking paths, monuments, fountain, gazebo
Villages at Heritage District Park – New Park at Planned Community
Newly established within Gilbert’s Heritage District master-planned community, Villages at Heritage District Park provides outdoor recreation spaces designed specifically for neighboring residents. While technically a private park, it does allow public access. Visitors can take advantage of its many amenities.
In this 16 acre park, families gather at covered playgrounds, picnic ramadas, and barbeque areas surrounded by expansive lawns. Paved walking trails and pathways connect the park’s features while trees offer shade cover. Sports amenities include basketball courts, tennis courts, a volleyball court, and multipurpose field. The community recreation center at the park provides additional indoor spaces as well. As Heritage District buildout continues, this park serves recreational needs for both residents and Gilbert visitors.
Location: 900 block of E Hermosa Vista Dr
Amenities: Playgrounds, ramadas, trails, courts, field, recreation center
Patterson Park – Tranquil Neighborhood Park
Contrasting some of Gilbert’s large, bustling regional parks, Patterson Park offers a peaceful neighborhood setting to enjoy 5 acres of open green space and mature shade trees. Visitors walk along the park’s concrete loop trail that wraps around grass areas with picnic tables and playground equipment. A small backstop field allows for casual games by neighborhood kids while parents watch on nearby bleachers.
With a more intimate and relaxed feel, Patterson Park mainly serves Gilbert residents living within walking distance. It provides them an easily accessible place for playtime with kids, walking dogs, gathering with a few friends, or just sitting under the trees.
Location: 155 E Las Palmaritas Dr
Amenities: Playgrounds, loop trail, grass areas, backstop field
Perry Park – Neighborhood Park with Pool
Perry Park spans nearly 9 acres within a residential Gilbert neighbourhood, offering a mix of amenities. Shade ramadas, playground equipment, walking paths, and lighting make the park ideal for play and gatherings.
Adjacent to Perry Park sits the Perry Pool facility. Operated seasonally by the Town of Gilbert, the public pool provides 5 lap lanes, diving boards, a bathhouse, a deck area, and grass space. Having a pool steps away gives neighbourhood families added opportunities to cool off in the summer heat. Together, Perry Park and Pool create a complete recreation setting for residents living nearby.
Location: 17750 E Glenview Dr
Amenities: Shade ramadas, playgrounds, loop trail, pool (seasonal)
Pioneer Park – Honors Gilbert’s History
Paying homage to Gilbert’s agricultural beginnings in the early 1900s, Pioneer Park brings the town’s history to life. Set across 20 acres, it recreates what a family farm would have looked like during Gilbert’s pioneer era. Visitors can tour authentic heritage buildings moved to the park for preservation, including some of the town’s earliest homes and structures. Outdoor displays feature tractors, equipment, and farming demonstrations.
Annual heritage events held at the park immerse participants in traditions like butter churning, basket weaving, quilting. Living history demonstrations by costumed reenactors portray what life was like for Gilbert’s founders and earliest residents. With vintage buildings and cultural experiences, Pioneer Park lets today’s Gilbert residents and visitors connect with the town’s past.
Location: 600 Ray Rd
Amenities: Historic homes/buildings, heritage demonstrations
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch – Expansive Natural Area with Trails
Spanning 700 acres within southeast Gilbert, the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch provides access to desert riparian habitat perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Over 15 miles of trails take visitors through lush wetlands formed by the confluence of basins draining the eastern slope of the Phoenix mountains.
Hundreds of species of birds either live within or frequent the preserve on migrations. Wildlife found along the trails include coyotes, rabbits, lizards, butterflies, and more. Interpretive signs educate hikers about the native flora and fauna.
Benches placed periodically provide space for resting, picnicking, or simply appreciating tranquil natural surroundings. With an abundance of trails showcasing the beauty of Sonoran Desert habitat, the Riparian Preserve makes an ideal Gilbert destination for nature lovers to explore.
Location: 207 S Higley Rd
Amenities: 15+ miles of trails, wildlife viewing areas
Conclusion
Known for its family appeal, Gilbert, Arizona shines with outstanding parks and recreation that match its friendly hometown vibe. From small neighborhood playgrounds to vast nature preserves, the 12 parks featured above provide plenty of options for staying active or finding relaxation across Gilbert. Parents can take kids to splash in fountains, families may grill out under ramadas, while athletes play pickup games on bustling courts and fields.
For learning about Gilbert’s heritage or seeing desert landscapes, specialized parks deliver cultural and natural history. With growing recreation amenities keeping pace with its expanding population, Gilbert continues to provide easily accessible parks for all interests and ages to enjoy the town’s abundant sunlight and welcoming outdoor spaces.