For those who enjoy being outside and an active lifestyle, Mesquite offers an incredible array of parks, trails, athletic facilities and playgrounds for the enjoyment of both its residents and visitors. Currently, there are 65 designated city parks, four swimming pool facilities, 25 tennis courts, 23 soccer fields, 26 lighted baseball and softball diamonds, 9 lighted football fields, 9 lighted basketball courts, 8 volleyball courts, 3 lighted roller hockey courts, and five recreation centers and two gymnasiums that our Parks and Recreation Department manages. Additionally, there are also more than 12 miles of “hike and bike” trails throughout the city. The recently adopted Trails Master Plan proposes 195 miles of trail that will connect to significant key points of interest, which include environmental features, business, retail and entertainment districts, local neighborhoods, parks, schools and public facilities. New to Mesquite this year is a 18-hole disc golf course at Paschall Park. With two 9-hole courses at DeBusk and Porter parks, Mesquite now has 36 holes to entertain and challenge all comers.

In addition to its vast collection of sporting facilities, playgrounds and parks and trails system, Mesquite’s recreation centers host numerous activities, classes and camps for all ages, as well as numerous athletic programs, classes and leagues. Another source of pride for the City’s Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is the number and variety of special events that they host throughout the year.

The Mother-Son Luau is an evening filled with games, music, dancing and refreshments for boys ages 4-12 and their mothers. Fathers and their daughters have their turn at the annual Daddy-Daughter Dance. Each spring, parents are sure to enjoy watching their kids participate in the Spring Eggstravanza egg hunt which is open for to all kids up to age 9, and even older kids ages 10-14 can participate later in the evening if they’re up to the challenge of finding their eggs in the dark (flashlights are highly recommended).

KidFish, sponsored by Old Town Mesquite, provides kids ages 6-12 with a “hands-on” fishing experience. During the summer, families have numerous options for some free family fun with at Movies in the Park, where movie lovers are encouraged to bring their blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy a film under the stars. For music lovers, there’s Music in the Park, in which the Mesquite Symphonic Band provides their free outdoor concert series that celebrates all musical genres from marches to show tunes, and classical to contemporary pieces.

During the dog-days of August, what could be more appropriate than Doggie Splash Day, a retrieving, diving and swimsuit competition for dogs and their owners. In the fall, there’s Pumpkin Fest, also produced in partnership with Old Town Mesquite, a festival with arts and crafts, pumpkin carving and a costume contest. Finally, each December, Christmas in the Park attracts thousands of visitors to Westlake Park where they can enjoy beautiful lighting displays, hay and pony rides, and Mrs. Claus’s hot cocoa and cookies.

No matter what your age or interest, Mesquite’s Parks and Recreation Department has always got something going on for visitors and residents to enjoy.