Shamel Park

Shamel Park is a 9-acre public park located in Riverside, California. Established on land that was formerly owned by Lorenzo and Mary Elizabeth Darling, the park was named after Archibald D. Shamel, a long-time member of the Riverside Park Board and plant physiologist at the Riverside Citrus Experiment Station.

The park features a variety of recreational facilities catering to different age groups and interests. Its centerpiece is a large swimming pool complex, which includes a main pool suitable for lap swimming and a smaller pool for younger children. The pool area is often used by local high school swim teams and offers swimming lessons to the community.

Shamel Park boasts two separate playground areas designed for different age groups. The larger playground has tall slides, a rope wall, spinning wheels, and fireman poles, while the smaller playground includes tube slides, tunnels, and interactive games. Both playgrounds are equipped with swings, including bucket swings for toddlers.

For sports enthusiasts, the park offers two baseball fields, each 200 feet long. The southern field is equipped with a scoreboard and both fields have outfield fences. Tennis courts and pickleball facilities are also available for visitors.

The park provides ample green space for relaxation and picnicking. Several picnic tables are scattered throughout the grounds, with some located under shade structures. Grills are available for cookouts, making it a popular spot for family gatherings and community events.

Shamel Park is typically busiest around 9 AM and 4 PM, with weekends seeing higher visitor numbers due to Little League games and family outings. The park is open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM, offering residents a spacious and well-equipped outdoor space for recreation and leisure activities.