Gateway Park and Splash Pad in El Mirage is lesser known but fabulous park, with the addition of a skate park, baseball fields, basketball courts, and more. The splash pad was updated in September 2020, prompting us to take a morning trip to the West Valley and check it out!
The playground has two climbing structures, one for toddlers, and one for older children. There are also baby swings and child swings. The climbing structures are new and a lot of fun! The kids liked the spider net and the slides the most; the activities all connect making for a challenge even for older kids!
The toddler playground is simple with two slides and staggered circular stools for climbing. Don’t miss the zebra and seahorse rides too! The majority of this playground is shaded, and the ground is woodchips. These were smaller than other woodchip parks we’ve been to as well, so beware that woodchips might make their way in to shoes like crocs.
The splash pad is located at the west end of the park. The kids were tickled to find the water warm (we’ve been to some pretty chilly splash pads!) and found some fun features. Note that this pad is turned on by pressing the blue hand print located along the side.
There’s one feature we’ve never seen at any other splash pad – a water umbrella that you can spin! We were so tickled to discover this! Another water pole has knobs you can turn to change the flow or where the water comes out. Also at this splash pad are ground fountains, a collection of spray circles, and a water tower that dumps a waterfall ever 7ish minutes. The kids absolutely loved it all! We played for about 2 hours.
There is no shade here, but are two shade structures with seating for observers. Restrooms are not nearby.
The splash pad portion of Gateway Park and Splash Pad in El Mirage is open 8am-8pm. The park itself is open from dawn to dusk. Restrooms are located at the other end of the park, behind the concession stand. Also at this park is a large skate park, baseball fields, basketball courts, a large gazebo with a grassy area, several ramadas, and a parking area (some parts are shaded). You will find a dog park south of the skate park, and a YMCA west of the splash pad. This is an awesome park facility and we’re so excited to add it to our list of favorites!
Gateway Park and Splash Pad
10100 N. El Mirage Road
El Mirage, AZ 85335
2 Responses
Was the splash pad open with covid?
Do we need to reserve a Ramada for birthday events?