Recreations & Leisure
With 51 park sites, nine community centers and seven pools, Riverside’s public park system is extensive. Eight of the 51 park sites are undeveloped, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the natural landscape of the region. The largest of these is the 1,550-acre Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, a site that is popular with mountain bikers. Another notable site is Fairmount Park; Fairmount has been part of Riverside since its earliest days as a city in 1870. The park features three lakes - Lake Evans, Brown Lake and Fairmount Lake – plus a golf course, historic boathouse and rental pedal boats.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department manages an array of free-time activities for children and adults. Youth programs include sports, after-school activities, summer camps, field trips and special interest classes such as dance and tumbling. Riverside also manages adult leagues for volleyball, basketball and softball.
Golfing is popular as well, and there are at least nine public facilities within city limits. Jurupa Hills Golf Club, Indian Hills Golf Club and Paradise Knolls Golf Course are all located on the western side of the city. There are two private golf clubs also, Canyon Crest Country Club and Victoria Golf Club. Both are located east of State Route 91 and south of Interstate 215, separated by an undeveloped park site called Anduloka Park.
Two notable natural sites are the California Citrus State Historic Park and the University of California Riverside Botanical Gardens. The citrus park honors the role of the citrus industry in California’s economic growth. Visitors can learn more about California’s “second Gold Rush” at the site’s activity center, amphitheater and demonstration groves. The botanical garden at the university is home to more than 3,500 different plant species, including azaleas, hydrangeas, roses, cacti, herbs, irises, lilacs and subtropical fruits.
Riverside holds three large community festivals each year. The Dickens Festival in February brings residents and visitors together around a shared interest in the arts, literature and history. Activities include street performers, workshops, live music, plays, history presentations and pageants. The Orange Blossom Festival in the spring is held in honor of the city’s citrus heritage. Entertainment is provided by carnival rides, food, a parade and a microbrew fest. The community spreads the joys of the holiday season each year by participating in the annual Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn.