Living Near Gilbert's Best Parks: What Buyers Should Know

Ask Gilbert residents what they love about living here and parks come up fast. Playgrounds that actually get used. Lakes you can stroll around. Big open lawns for concerts and community events.

Two parks define that side of Gilbert, and they could not be more different. Freestone Park is the classic, the Town's first major district park, with a miniature train and carousel that generations of Gilbert kids have grown up on. Gilbert Regional Park is the newer, bigger one, built for large events, sports, and splash pad afternoons.

Here is what each offers, what is coming next, and what it can mean if you are thinking about buying nearby.

Freestone Park: Gilbert's Original Favorite

Freestone Park opened in June 1988 as Gilbert's first major district park, starting at 65 acres. Today it has 88 developed acres plus 32 undeveloped acres. It sits near downtown Gilbert on E Juniper Avenue, zip code 85234.

What you will find here:

• The Freestone Railroad: a miniature train, an antique carousel, a mini Ferris wheel, and a wave runner ride, best suited to younger kids
• A lake stocked for fishing, with walking paths around it
• Multiple playgrounds, including one by the lake
• Softball fields, multiuse fields, basketball, sand volleyball, and tennis courts
• A skate park, an amphitheater, ramadas, and picnic tables
• The Freestone Recreation Center just north of the park

Park access is free, while the rides use tickets sold on site. The rides do not run every day, so check the current schedule and pricing with the Town before you go. Freestone is also an IBCCES Autism Certified Center, which is a meaningful plus for families who need sensory friendly spaces.

Gilbert Regional Park: The Big Event Park

Gilbert Regional Park is at 3005 E Queen Creek Road, near Higley and Queen Creek Roads, zip code 85298. The first phase opened in September 2019, and Phase 1B was completed in October 2020. The park is planned at more than 250 acres, and so far the first phase is what is open.

According to the Town's venue information, the park includes:

• An amphitheater beside a 7 acre lake, opening onto a 10 acre event lawn that can hold up to 10,000 people
• 16 pickleball courts, 6 tennis courts, 2 basketball courts, and 6 sand volleyball courts
• A playground with climbing features, slides, swings, and a zip line, plus a toddler playground
• A 4,000 square foot splash pad
• A food truck alley, walking trails, and ramadas

The park is open daily from 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM. The splash pad runs 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM from March 1 through November 30, so it is still open this fall. Like Freestone, it is an IBCCES Autism Certified Center.

This is where some of Gilbert's largest community events happen, including concerts and festivals. Check the Town's event calendar before you visit so you know what is going on.

What Is Coming Next

Phases 2 and 3 of Gilbert Regional Park cover roughly 220 more acres. Town planning documents include ballfields, multiuse fields, a skate park, a dog park, a bike park, and nature and play areas. A Gilbert Sun News report estimated Phase 2 at just over $233 million, and the Town currently lists timelines and budgets for the next phases as still being established.

One more update: in May 2026, the Town and WhiteWater West Industries mutually agreed to end the lease for a proposed surf park at the site. If you see older announcements about a surf park, treat them as outdated.

What It Means If You Are Buying Nearby

Parks are one of the first things many buyers ask me about, especially families. Having a playground, a lake, or an event lawn close by is a real lifestyle benefit. I will be honest, though: I do not put one dollar figure on "what a park is worth," because it varies street by street and I have not seen a verified Gilbert specific number that holds up.

Here is what I can share:

• Near Gilbert Regional Park: The Bridges at Gilbert is a neighborhood where residents describe the park as right next door. Trulia lists its median home value at around $722,000 as of March 2026. That figure reflects the neighborhood's newer homes and sizes, not a park premium.
• Near Freestone Park: This is established central Gilbert, close to the Heritage District, with the lake and train as everyday neighborhood amenities.

Three things worth weighing before you buy near either park:

1. Visit on an event day. Large events at Gilbert Regional Park can mean crowds, traffic, and noise. See it at its busiest before you decide.
2. Ask about future phases. The park around you will keep changing over the coming years.
3. Compare recent sales. The honest way to see what a park location is worth is to look at recent sales on your specific street.

Plan Your Visit

• Freestone Park: E Juniper Avenue, Gilbert, AZ 85234. Free park entry, with ride tickets sold on site. Confirm the current ride schedule first.
• Gilbert Regional Park: 3005 E Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85298. Park hours 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM, splash pad open through November 30.
• Official information: Town of Gilbert Parks and Recreation at gilbertaz.gov

The Bottom Line

Freestone Park is Gilbert's nostalgic favorite, and Gilbert Regional Park is its big, growing future. Together they show why so many families call this town home.

If you are curious what homes near either park look like right now, or you want me to pull recent sales on a specific street, I would love to help. Reach out anytime.

Park details sourced from the Town of Gilbert Parks and Recreation, Discover Gilbert, Gilbert Sun News, The Inertia, and Trulia as of October 2026. Hours, amenities, ride schedules, and plans are subject to change. Please confirm current details with the Town before visiting. This post is for informational purposes only.