Big Changes Coming to Gilbert Parks… Here’s What You Should Know

If you live in Gilbert, you’ve probably noticed how busy the parks already are. Kids’ sports, tournaments, pickleball, splash pads, weekend crowds… it’s a lot. And now the town is deciding whether to take things to the next level.

This week, Gilbert Town Council is set to vote on nearly $50 million in contracts tied to three major parks projects. If approved, these could break ground as early as next year. Long term, they’re part of a much bigger investment totaling around $355 million.

So what’s actually being talked about?

What’s Being Proposed

Gilbert Regional Park… Phase 2
This one is already well into planning and could start construction next spring. The next phase would add:
• Six new softball fields
• New playgrounds
• A skate park and bike park
• A dog park
• Disc golf
• A STEM-focused playground
• Large open lawn areas and arroyo-style spaces

This park is built for tournaments and large events, which means visitors coming in from all over the state.

Desert Sky Park… Phase 2
Design work is already done here. If approved, construction could start soon. Plans include:
• Multi-use sports fields
• Sports courts
• A splash pad and playground
• Shaded seating and gathering areas
• A new entrance and infrastructure upgrades

This one is more about everyday neighborhood use and quality of life.

Freestone Park Upgrades
Freestone is one of Gilbert’s oldest and busiest parks. The goal here is modernizing it with:
• A new pickleball complex
• A new splash pad
• Shade plazas, ramadas, and picnic areas
• Updated restrooms and safety improvements

A big reason for this is to take pressure off other parks… especially Regional Park, where pickleball courts are packed.

Why the Town Is Pushing This Now

Here’s the part a lot of people don’t realize…

Gilbert has grown fast, but park infrastructure hasn’t fully kept up. A recent needs study showed the town should have:
• 34 baseball and softball fields… it currently has 24
• 32 multi-use fields… it currently has 18

Even with those shortages, Gilbert parks saw 5.4 million visitors last year… more than the Grand Canyon had in 2024. That’s pretty wild.

Town staff say residents consistently ask for:
• More sports fields
• Better aquatic facilities
• More shaded community spaces
• Better multi-use paths

And from a money standpoint, parks bring in real revenue. Tournaments and events drive hotel stays, food spending, and local sales tax dollars.

The Timeline… And Why Delays Matter

If council delays these projects by even one year, costs go up fast… around 4% or more due to inflation and construction pricing.

To put that into perspective:
• Regional Park could cost about $9 million more if delayed
• Desert Sky could jump roughly $4 million
• Freestone’s upgrades could increase by over $800,000

That’s why staff is pushing to move forward now instead of kicking the can down the road.

The Concerns (Because It’s Not All Sunshine)

Some council members are asking fair questions:
• Gilbert is facing expensive road repairs in the coming years
• There are concerns about future budget shortfalls
• Some worry about parks becoming too extravagant

The counterpoint from staff is that Gilbert doesn’t start projects without funding in place… and that parks, while not emergency services, directly impact daily life and long-term property values.

What This Means for Homeowners

On the positive side:
• Better parks often support home values
• More amenities make neighborhoods more desirable
• Increased tourism helps local businesses

On the potential downside:
• More traffic around major parks
• Busier weekends and event days
• Long-term budget balancing gets more complex

Like most things in a growing town… it’s a tradeoff.

Bottom Line

Gilbert is at a crossroads. Growth isn’t slowing down, and this vote is really about whether the town builds infrastructure now… or plays catch-up later at a higher cost.

These parks won’t change things overnight, but over the next few years, they’ll shape how families live, play, and spend time here.

If you live near any of these parks… or you’re thinking about buying or selling in Gilbert… this stuff matters more than most people realize.