Mayor's Monthly Message - July 2024: Riverside Rolls Out Summer Fun with Park Upgrades and Fresh Activities

Summer has arrived and Riverside’s parks are busy with activity! In July we are celebrating Parks and Recreation Month along with the National Recreation and Parks Association. For nearly 40 years, we have celebrated Parks and Recreation Month in July to promote building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation.

In a dedicated effort to enhance our city's outdoor spaces, the City Council has green lit several park improvements over the last few weeks. Most notable being the May 21^st approval of the Fairmount Park Lake Dredging Project. Fairmount Park has been Riverside’s signature park since it was established in 1898! The approved project will remove nearly 26,000 cubic yards of sediment that has accumulated in Fairmount Lake. Why is there so much sediment? Stormwater passes through Fairmount Park on the way to the Santa Ana River, causing sediment and silt to settle in the lake bottom. This dredging project will significantly increase the lake's depth and water quality.

Following the dredging project, we can look forward to the return of pedal boats in the late summer! A beloved activity that allows families to enjoy our city's beautiful lakes. The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department will continue to seek funding from the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District to reduce the silt and allow us to conduct routine maintenance to ensure that pedal boats stay for good!

While we eagerly await the return of pedal boats, Fairmount Park continues to offer a wealth of attractions. Visitors can explore playgrounds, a splash pad, shaded picnic spots, a golf course, the Stewart Boathouse, a fishing pier, a band shell, lawn bowling, the historic Izaak Walton clubhouse and acres of open space!

Further updates are coming to not only Fairmount Park, but several parks across the city! Recent City Council approvals on June 18th included funding for rubber safety surfacing replacement at seven park sites, enhancing the safety of playgrounds citywide. The City Council will be asked to approve the replacement and upgrades of nine playgrounds citywide in July.

Beyond Fairmount Park, Riverside offers a diverse range of recreational opportunities this summer. One highlight is the “Concerts in the Park” series, held every Wednesday night at the band shell. It's a perfect opportunity for friends and families to gather and enjoy music in Riverside’s cherished park. For those who prefer to enjoy movies under the stars, the “Movies in the Park” series offers family-friendly screenings every Friday at different parks across the city, showcasing the diverse offerings of Riverside's park system.

Residents can cool off from the summer heat at any of our seven recreational pools or six splash pads located throughout the city.  Exciting news includes the recent opening of Andulka Park’s splash pad! Additionally, through Operation Splash, a collaboration with Kaiser Permanente, residents can access free swim lessons, passes, and junior lifeguard scholarships. If you are not yet comfortable in the water, the City of Riverside Aquatics program offers swim lesson programs designed for all ages and skill levels, ensuring everyone can safely enjoy the water. We can also look forward to the installation of new pool heaters at Hunt, Villegas and Reid parks, approved by City Council on May 21^st. Next year we will have five heated pools for the community and seniors to enjoy year-round!

Over the last few weeks council has also approved several contracts related to parks including janitorial services, landscape maintenance, pool maintenance, parking lot repairs, and tree maintenance services. As city leaders, we are committed to maintaining and improving our parks because we believe that Parks Make Life Better!

I encourage you to discover everything Riverside has to offer this summer. Whether you're drawn to the history of Fairmount Park or the vibrant activities across the city, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Join us in celebrating the summer season and making lasting memories in our beautiful city. To read more about the activities happening all summer long, visit the Summer 2024 Activity Guide!