It’s fall and in Flagstaff, that means chilly temps and gorgeous foliage in hues of crimson, gold, and magenta; and it is the perfect time to get outdoors! Whether you are new to Flagstaff or have been here for years, there is a wide range of great parks and playgrounds for everyone.
I’ve listed a few of the most popular below:
Bushmaster Park – This community park has so much to offer: ramadas, a basketball court, volleyball court, tennis courts, and a skate park. I believe there is even a dog park there as well. It is one of the largest parks with two playground areas, one recently renovated with colorful equipment, including some sort of fantastic zip line swing. Bushmaster is popular for parties and celebrations under the large ramadas.
Located at 3150 N Alta Vista Drive.
Thorpe Park – Located just west of Downtown is the very popular regional park, Thorpe Park. There is a newly renovated play area with colorful new playground equipment, a large number of swings, tennis courts and even some shade, which is hard to come by at most parks in Flagstaff.
Located at 245 N Thorpe Road.
Foxglenn Park – A large and beautiful community park with a playground, ramadas, soccer fields, skate park, and the beautiful Children’s Garden honoring child and infancy loss. Foxglenn is popular for picnics, playing, and taking laps on the walking path around the beautiful green grass. During the warmer months, you will find this park packed with kids (and big kids too) playing sports such as soccer and baseball.
Located at 4200 E Butler Avenue.
Peaks View County Park – This is a great community park that I don’t think gets utilized nearly as much as it should. It is located in Doney Park and has a very nice playground with play areas both for older and younger kids, plenty of swings, and several shaded, picnic areas. It is unique too in that is has equestrian trails and an arena. If you are not from the ‘east side of town’, but are tired of going to the same places each week with your kids, this is worth the short trip to go and check out.
Located at 8805 N. Koch Field.
McPherson Park – Another great park that I don’t believe gets the love it deserves. Why? I believe this neighborhood park is best known for its horseshoe courts and disc golf course, but also located there (in the parking lot of the ice skating rink) is a great enclosed playground. I stress enclosed because sometimes you need a place to let the little ones play and roam free without constant fear of them running into the parking lot or off into the woods.
Located at 1650 N. Turquoise Drive.
Ponderosa Trails Park – This park is such a major perk of living in Ponderosa Trails! With the sidewalks and wide paths throughout the neighborhood, it’s very pedestrian friendly to get to (if you’ve been in Flagstaff for a while, you’ll know sidewalks in neighborhoods are few and far between). Next to a large grassy sports field is a playground and ramada. Driving by it’s a bit hard to tell there is more than just the sports field, with no designated parking lot and the playground and ramada being tucked within the homes.
Located at 3875 S. Wild West Trail.
Where do you go when you want some fresh air?
The above list is just a snippet of all of the great areas Flagstaff has to offer to relax and play. There are countless neighborhood parks tucked away in areas not commonly frequented unless you have reason to go there or live there. For a more inclusive list, visit https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/1923/City-Parks-Ramadas.