Mesa park’s playground considered one of the best in the country

PHOENIX — One of the nation’s finest playgrounds is right here in the Valley.

The playground at Mesa, Ariz.’s Riverview Park was ranked in the top 50 U.S. playgrounds according to the website Early Childhood Education Zone.

“It’s a really exciting recognition for the city,” said Councilman David Richins.

It’s been just over a year since the City of Mesa opened the park after millions of dollars worth of renovations and construction of the nearby Cubs Park, since renamed Sloan Park.

The playground area was selected by the website for its various amenities for kids, including a 60-foot long mesh climbing structure and a splash zone where they can cool off during hot days.

Richins said the park’s design is also unique feature of the renovations because it split the playground in two parts and brought in climbing tower that is unlike any other.

“You have two kinds of separate playgrounds in one,” he said. “You have area for 2 to 5-year-olds to play, you have an area for 6 to 12-year-olds to play and then you have our wonderful 50-foot Genesis Climbing Tower, which is the largest one in the world.”

Richins said the park has exceeded the city’s expectation in its first year and is glad to see its investment receiving some accolade.