Phoenix purchased the original 13,000 acres of South Mountain Park from the federal government in 1924 for 17,000. A large number of the structures and trails were built in the park throughout the ‘30s. Today, visitors enjoy more than 50 miles of trails suitable for hiking, as well as riding bikes and horses.

Next to one of Mesa's award winning golf courses, Riverview Park and golf course offers almost anything a person or family could ask for. The park’s facilities include lit playing fields, hiking and jogging trails with an exercise course, fishing in a stocked lake. The number of things to do can take longer than the park is open in a day.