Parks & Trails
The City of Arcata has numerous parks, playgrounds and sports fields. No matter what your outdoor interests are, you can find a day of fun at any one of our park locations. Whether it's barbecuing at Redwood Park, climbing the rock wall at Arcata Community Park, shooting hoops at Shay Park or soccer at the Arcata Sports Complex, there is plenty of fun to be had.
The Parks Division also maintains all government buildings. The Parks Division budget includes expenditures associated with the operation, maintenance, capital improvement and program support of 12 buildings totaling 100,000 square feet. The goal of the Building Maintenance group is to provide safe, usable and energy efficient facilities to the general public and its employees on a daily basis.
Park Map
Check out our map of Arcata Parks and Playgrounds (PDF) to find the park location nearest you!
Recent Renovations
The Division is currently focused on the renovations of:
- Redwood Park:
Redwood Park renovations began in May of 2023. The project will include an entirely new playground with accessible equipment and pour in place surfacing as well as a bike pump track and ADA parking. We anticipate the project to be complete by late fall 2023. The project is made possible through an infill infrastructure Program Grant (IIG) through the City's Community Development Department. Visit the Redwood Park Renovation page for more information. - Carlson Park:
The City of Arcata has received numerous grants to renovate Carlson Park including improved trails and river access, a play ground and picnic and event area, parking lot and vault toilet. We are in the final stages of design with construction set to being late fall 2023 and playground equipment installation spring 2024. - Bloomfield Park:
The park with be updated with new play equipment and picnic area. - Valley West Basket Ball Court Mural:
The basketball court at Valley West Park on Hallen Drive will be receiving a vibrant upgrade with a mural by REBOUND. REBOUND is a recipient of 2020 Funds for Artists’ Resilience (FAR) Grant). Founded by Benjamin Funke and a team of artists. They are a DreamMaker project of the Ink People Center for the Arts. REBOUND is a community-based arts and culture organization. We utilize good design and initiate projects with the goal of enhancing community life. - Shay Park Basket Ball Court Mural and Fitness Equipment:
The new basketball court at Shay Park received a vibrant upgrade with a mural by REBOUND. Outdoor table tennis and fitness circuit were added in Spring of 2022. - Larson Park Tennis Court Resurfacing :
The Larson Park tennis courts are re-opened after resurfacing. The work included cleaning, resurfacing, and painting the courts.
Staff
Our dedicated and hardworking Parks Maintenance Staff is committed to providing you with top-notch, well-maintained parks, playgrounds and sports fields. In keeping with Arcata’s commitment to the health of our citizens and the environment, the parks and sports fields are all managed without the use of pesticides.