Subscribe to RSSFlagstaff’s many parks offer escape to greenery
Rarely throughout the school year do students get to truly appreciate the scenery of Flagstaff. From the snowstorms in April to the early fall weather in September, residents see about six weeks of hot, clear weather.
One of the more best kept secrets of Flagstaff to the NAU community are its parks. Highlighted in this article are just a few of more than 24 park areas to be enjoyed in Flagstaff.
Within short driving distance of NAU, there are six different parks to choose from: Wheeler, Foxglenn, McPherson, McMillan, Mountain View and Thorpe parks.
One of the most visited parks is Wheeler Park, located downtown just across the street from Flagstaff City Hall. Wheeler Park is the more traditional leisure space with eating spaces and an open green. The park also serves as a downtown hub for events and festivals.
Foxglenn Park is located just off East Butler Road and is more modern and recreational. There are basketball courts, soccer fields, two baseball/softball fields and a picnic area. — 4200 E. Butler Ave.
McPherson Park resembles Foxglenn Park with its modernized and sports oriented features. There are tennis courts, horseshoe gaming areas, a Frisbee golf (‘frolf’) course, basketball court and, of course, picnic areas. — 1650 N. Turquoise Dr.
McMillan Mesa Park is similar to Wheeler Park in its simplicity. There is an open green, a basketball court and eating areas. — 1140 Ponderosa Parkway
Mountain View Park also follows the line of simplicity. It features an open green with many trees and eating areas. — 519 W. Piute Rd.
A runner’s haven, Buffalo Park features several miles of walking and biking trails as well as sweeping views of the Peaks and Mount Elden. — 2400 N. Gemini Dr.
Possibly the most feature-filled park of them all is Thorpe Park. Thorpe features a litany of tennis courts with lighting for evening playing, a sand volleyball court, soccer fields, a basketball court, a disc golf course, numerous baseball and softball fields for all ages, a dog park as well as picnic areas. — 1919 N. Thorpe Rd.
