Fairmount Park (Riverside, California) facts for kids

Fairmount Park is a wonderful park located in Riverside, California. It's so special that the city has officially named it "Landmark No. 69." Inside the park, you'll find a beautiful band shell, designed in 1920 by a famous architect named Arthur Burnett Benton. This band shell is also a landmark, known as "Landmark No. 10."

The park is found at 2601 Fairmount Boulevard. It sits southeast of the Santa Ana River and has Route 60 to its north.

If you enjoy fishing in Lake Evans, which is in the western part of the park, there's an important safety tip! The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment suggests it's best not to eat fish caught there. This is because some fish, especially Catfish, might have higher levels of certain chemicals. It's always good to be safe!

Park History and Design

Fairmount Park in a vintage postcard from around 1916

Fairmount Park was designed by a famous company called Olmsted and Olmsted in 1911. Even though Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed New York City's amazing Central Park, had passed away, his ideas for park design were still used by his sons.

The main parts of the park's design were put into place over 13 years. This work finished in 1924 with the creation of Lake Evans. Many of the trees planted back in 1911 were still growing strong in 1985!

Making the Park Even Better

The APA Great Public Spaces plaque, awarded to Fairmount Park in 2011

Over the years, Lake Evans and some other parts of the park needed a little help. Local residents, like Pat Stewart, who leads the Friends of Fairmount Park group, decided to make things better.

In 2001, volunteers started cleaning up the park and helping with maintenance. This community effort helped raise money for a fantastic new playground, costing $2.6 million!

In 2011, the American Planning Association (APA) recognized Fairmount Park as one of the "Great Public Spaces" in the country. The City Parks Alliance also called it a "jewel" in the region's park system that same year.

Fun Things to Do at Fairmount Park

Fairmount Park has lots of cool things for everyone to enjoy!

Sports and Games

• You can play a round of golf on the park's golf course.
• There are two tennis courts for playing matches.
• The park has a well-kept lawn bowling court, which first opened in the 1920s.

Water Activities

• You can rent boats, including pedal boats that are easy for everyone to use, on Lake Evans.
• Sailing and fishing are also popular activities on the lake.

Relaxing and Exploring

• There are public barbecue areas perfect for picnics.
• You can go running, jogging, or walking on the Santa Ana River Trail.
• Many exercise classes are held right in the park.
• Kids love the big playground!
• Visit the beautiful Rose Garden with its gazebo, a popular spot for taking photos.

Special Memorials in the Park

Fairmount Park is also home to some interesting memorials that tell stories from the past.

Union Pacific Engine No. 6051

In 1954, a large train engine, Union Pacific Engine No. 6051, was placed at the park's main entrance on Market Street. This was to celebrate 50 years since the railroad first came to Riverside.

"Water Buffalo" Tank

The American Legion installed a special amphibious tank, nicknamed "Water Buffalo", in 1949. This tank can travel on both land and water! It sits on a ramp going into Lake Evans. This memorial honors Riverside's important role in making these vehicles during World War II.

Images for kids

• 

  Band shell (1920, rebuilt 1995), Landmark No. 10

• 

  "Famous Water Buffalo" World War II amphibious vehicle

• 

  Park's formal entrance on Market Street, with Union Pacific locomotive

• 

  Stewarts Boathouse (1912)

• 

  Fairmount Golf Course clubhouse