VISALIA, CA — Visalia’s public parks offer residents and visitors plenty of space for sports, fitness, and exploring nature. Most city-managed parks are open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and are free for the public to use.
Major Activity Hubs
Recreation Park Located at the corner of North Jacob Street and West Center Avenue, this park serves as a central hub for the community. It includes the Anthony Community Center and the Provident Skate Park. The grounds also feature Valley Strong Ballpark, where the Visalia Rawhide minor league baseball team plays. The park offers lighted basketball and pickleball courts, along with playgrounds designed for children of all abilities.
Riverway Sports Park Located at 3611 North Dinuba Boulevard, this park is a major destination for sports. It features soccer fields and baseball and softball complexes. Families can enjoy multiple playgrounds and play areas for toddlers. A seasonal splash pad is typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Plaza Park Located at Plaza Drive and Airport Road, Plaza Park offers various facilities for athletes, including lighted pickleball courts, tennis courts, and softball diamonds. The park also features a pond with walking paths, a dedicated bike path, and horseshoe pits.
Neighborhood Parks
Visalia also maintains several neighborhood parks for gathering and play:
- Blain Park: This park offers a playground, an open grass area for informal games, picnic shelters, and BBQ grills. It is known for its accessibility, including a fitness course designed for people with disabilities and a walking path.
- Alejandro R. Ruiz Sr. Park: This community space includes a playground, picnic tables, BBQ grills, an open sports field, and walking paths.
- Sunset Park: This park includes a playground, an open sports field, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and restroom facilities.
- Kiwanis Park: This site provides a playground, covered picnic tables, basketball courts, and skateboarding ramps.
- Woodland Park: Visitors can find a playground, BBQ grills, picnic tables, basketball courts, a practice field, and a walking path here.
Regional Destinations
The following regional parks are local favorites. Because these are managed by the county, you cannot reserve them through the city’s system:
- Cutler Park: This 70-acre regional park features oak woodlands and trails perfect for birdwatching and hiking.
- Mooney Grove Park: A historic regional destination that features large open spaces, walking paths, and picnic areas.
Park Rules and Reservations
To keep public spaces safe and clean, the city has several rules. Visitors should keep dogs on a leash at all times and leave fireworks at home. To prevent fires, use only the grills provided by the park. Ground fires are not allowed. You also need a permit if you want to use loudspeakers or microphones.
While general park access is free, you must reserve covered picnic areas, sports fields, or space for special events in advance. You can make reservations online or in person at the Anthony Community Center.
For a full list of parks and more information, visit the City of Visalia park information page at https://www.visalia.city/depts/parks_n_recreation/parkinfo/default.asp.
