Rio Vista Park

The City of Peoria was seeking its first community park to meet the needs of the growing number of residences there. The park was to be situated in a prominent area in central Peoria between the busy Agua Fria Freeway and the New River Channel. Olsson Associates was selected to design and implement a park master plan that fully encompassed the community's needs.

The 52-acre site features a wide array of parks and recreational facilities, including a five-plex softball area, a soccer/multiuse field complex, a recreational center with a gymnasium, special events plazas, an urban lake, a skate park, multiuse trails, large- and small-group armadas, picnicking areas, and extensive parking.

Olsson faced several design challenges in carrying out the community's vision. The final design solution balanced active and passive facilities; met intensive sports field needs; developed a new park entry and monument; created fluid transportation accessibility; and provided specialty site and sports field lighting with little impact on nearby residents.

Rio Vista Park now serves as a primary city activity center. Olsson's design sets the standard for future community park development throughout Peoria.