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The skies in Tempe, AZ, are sunny year-round, making it the perfect place for renters who love the outdoors. And, with more than 50 neighborhood and community recreation areas scattered throughout the city, there are plenty of options to choose from — whether you’re an outdoorsy local or want to move here and are searching for apartments to rent in Tempe.
So, if you’re looking for the perfect spot for a picnic or just want to work out in nature, we selected the best parks in Tempe that you shouldn’t miss.
Tempe Beach Park
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Don’t be fooled by its name! Although it is a scenic place where you can enjoy the sun, Tempe Beach Park is not a beach. But, that doesn’t make it any less fun — especially for renters who are passionate about watersports. Here, you can rent various watercraft and soak up the sun at Tempe Town Lake. Don’t feel like paddling your way across the park? No need to worry, the seven-mile path around the man-made lake is ideal for renters with a passion for walking, jogging or running. On your stroll, take a few moments to check out the artwork near Pedestrian Bridge. Notably, all sorts of events are hosted in this park, from the Way Out West Oktoberfest to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. Or, if you plan on relaxing by just dropping a line, the waters of Tempe Town Lake are home to various types of fish, including trout and bass. Just make sure everything is o-fish-al and don’t forget to bring your fishing license.
Kiwanis Park
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This 125-acre park is packed with activities. In fact, the Recreation Center at its heart contains the only indoor wave pool in the Valley. Here, sports enthusiasts can also take a swing in the batting cages or practice their serves in one of the 15 cushioned tennis courts. The Cloud splash pad located at the north end of Kiwanis Park will help you cool off on hot days — and keep the kids entertained. With plenty of water features to enjoy, The Cloud is the perfect place for guaranteed fun for people of all ages — plus, there’s no fee!
Papago Park
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Spanning across 1,500 miles, Papago Park is filled with massive buttes and trails. Here, the most popular path leads to Hole in the Rock, a natural geological formation that offers an amazing view of the Arizona sunset. If you’re followed on these easy treks by a four-legged friend, be sure to make a stop at the Papago Bark Park, where you can let your dog roam free inside a fenced area. Nestled inside this park shared by the cities of Phoenix and Tempe you will also find a fire museum, a zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden and even a pyramid that serves as the tomb of Arizona’s first governor.
Daley Park
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With two pavilions and many more individual picnic tables, firing up the grill is the activity of choice at Daley Park. Here, fun for the whole family is a sure thing with the horseshoe pits and kids’ playground. The 17-acre facility also features volleyball and basketball courts; a baseball diamond; and softball fields. Nearby, Tempe artist Jake Early also painted a mural, called “Meet Me at Daley Park” that showcases the timeline of the neighborhood. It’s a must-see for art aficionados.
Selleh Park
This hidden gem is an oasis of tranquility. If you aim to unwind in a peaceful setting, this small, six-acre park is the perfect spot. For a relaxing picnic, just grab your blanket and some delicious food from one of the local restaurants. Then, choose to sit by the pond and you’ll be joined by the many ducks that inhabit it. Or, if you’re into sports, enjoy a late-night basketball game at the park, which has a lighted court. For added fun, the climbing tower at Selleh Park will delight the kids!
Estrada Park
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This tiny park offers swings, slides and plenty of other enjoyable structures. Plus, the well-kept foam floor beneath the playground will ensure that your little one has a good time — while sparing you the trouble of cleaning up sand or dirt afterward. But, adults aren’t left out, either: There’s plenty of exercise equipment that will help you get your workout done. Floral mosaic panels also enrich the pathways and continue on the rubberized play area
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Andreea Neculae is a creative writer at CoworkingCafe and CoworkingMag, with a passion for bringing human-interest stories to light. From research on coworking trends and the real estate market, Andreea’s work was covered in The Business Journals, The New York Times and Forbes. With an academic background in Language Arts, Andreea is always looking to develop new skills and further her knowledge. Writer by day and bookworm by night, she loves reading and reviewing anything from the classics to sci-fi and fantasy. Her writing skills are complemented by a special interest in graphic and web design.
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