Pioneer Park
How do you reimagine a park after 60 years to serve a new generation of users?
Re-imagining a park to ‘bring the community back’ to a beloved space
The re-imagining of Pioneer Park is a result of the City of Mesa Parks and community group efforts to turn around a historic park that had become aged and irrelevant, creating the potential for unsavory activities. During the process of updating the previous master plan, it was critical to recognize what was special, valued, and integral to the community within the existing park. Bold, fun, and innovative ideas were employed in the new master plan, but just as important was the protection, renovation, and invigoration of the beloved elements that the community cherished.
Pioneer Park was designed to accommodate everyone. The park provides a community gathering space that supports local food vendors. It hosts concerts, art festivals, and seasonal events. One of the most unique features of this playground is the elevated walkway that allows users to meander through the tree canopy – a truly unique experience in the desert environment of Arizona where tree canopies are lower and smaller in nature. The most innovative aspect of the elevated walkway is the multi-functional utility of the structure. A towering central shade and splash pad activates a plaza and features a dazzling water wall that displays custom graphics during the evening. There is a weekly food truck night where locals can gather and grab a bite to eat outdoors. Various clubs utilize the park, including a horseshoe league, the Sons and Daughters of the Pioneers organization, and the Train Club.
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Location
Mesa, AZ
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Client
City of Mesa
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Awards
ASLA Arizona, 2018: Honor Award for Design
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Collaborators
Architekton, Wright Engineering
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Size
18 acres
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Region
Southwest
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Project Type
Park