Located near downtown Riverside, CA., this Olmsted-designed park features multiple scenic lakes, boathouse with pedal boat rentals, fishing, historic bandshell, two tennis courts, playground, rose gardens, golf course, lawn bowling green, and picnic facilities with barbecues. A part of the Riverside community since the founding of the city in 1870, Fairmount Park officially opened as the city's largest park on Arbor Day, April 9, 1898. Included in the park's 190 acres is the 40 acre Lake Evans, and the smaller Fairmount Lake. The park was designed by the sons of Fredrick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park in New York. Overlooking Fairmont Lake is the beautiful Stewarts Boathouse, which features a spacious banquet room on the main level and pedal boat rentals below. Dedicated in 1995, the boathouse replaced the original structure on the same site. The boathouse was designed by Robert Stewart and features a mission revival design reminiscent of the original. The park also featured a family amusement area, complete with a carousel, bumper cars, and other rides, but was dismantled after years of neglect. In 1998 the City of Riverside celebrated the park's centennial with a re-dedication of the park with a commitment to bring the park back to its former glory. The event featured an old-fashioned community picnic, a display of historical photographs and memorabilia, and a time capsule to be opened in 50 years. Banquet Room & Picnic Shelter Rentals The Stewart Boathouse, The Villegas Community Center, and park picnic shelters are available to the public for day rental through the Parks & Recreation Department. The main floor of the Stewart Boathouse features a 1,800 square foot banquet facility called the Lakeside Room, ideal for special occasions, wedding receptions or business meetings. Assembly seating capacity is 120 people and banquet-seating capacity is 92 people. To receive a copy of the Lakeside Room brochure and to inquire about rental fees, call the City of Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department at 951.826.2000. Park picnic shelters are also available for rent. A Facility Request Form must be filled out with proper proof of residency submitted. Fees paid at least 2 weeks prior to event date, and not more than one year in advance for residents and 6 months for non-residents For rate information, call 951.826.2000. Boat Rentals Pedal boat rentals are available at the lower level of the Stewart Boathouse. Enjoy the solitude of the Fairmount Park lakes with the entire family. An adult picture ID is required for deposit, and an adult (18 or over) must complete the paperwork and provide proper proof of residency. Children 12 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Boat Rental Hours: February - March; Sat & Sun 10 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. April - May; Sat & Sun 10 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. June - August; Thurs - Tues 10 A.M. - 7:00 P.M. September - Mid December; Sat & Sun 10 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. Hours are subject to change due to inclement weather or daylight hours. Address: 2601 Fairmount Boulevard, near the Market Street Exit of the I-60 Freeway. See less

• published: 30 Apr 2022
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