West Wetlands Park

West Wetlands Park is a 110-acre public park located along the Colorado River at the northwest edge of Yuma, Arizona. The park, which opened in December 2002, was developed on the site of a former city landfill that operated from 1910 to 1970.

The park features both an "upper bench" and "lower bench" area. The upper bench includes facilities such as roadways, a fishing pond, playgrounds, picnic ramadas, and lighted multi-use pathways. The lower bench focuses on habitat restoration, with 30 acres restored with native trees and grasses along the riverbank.

A highlight of West Wetlands Park is the Stewart Vincent Wolfe Creative Playground, often called "Castle Park" by local children. This large playground includes features like swings, slides, climbing structures, and an adaptive swing for children with disabilities. The playground's surface is made of Pebble Flex, a soft material that provides protection from falls and allows for easier wheelchair navigation.

The park also contains a hummingbird garden named after former Congressman Ed Pastor, recognizing his support for riverfront restoration projects. This garden includes plants specifically chosen to attract hummingbirds.

For water activities, the park offers a boat ramp for access to the Colorado River, as well as beaches for swimming. A 15-foot deep pond stocked with game fish by the Arizona Game & Fish Department provides opportunities for fishing.

West Wetlands Park serves as a popular location for various community events, including walkathons, marathons, festivals, and outdoor movies. The park's diverse ecosystem also makes it an excellent spot for wildlife viewing, particularly bird watching.