Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park — Attraction in Riverside

The view is incredible! Lots of pavilions, with plenty of lawn in between. The disk golf course helps keep it family friendly! Very large and spread out park. However, not very inviting for families due to the fact that there's no "open" restroom and no drinking water. Making this park not worth the time or effort it takes to access it from the bike trail. Being as there is also NO SHADE ALONG THE TRAIL. THE CITY HAS CUT DOWN ANY TREES THAT WOULD HAVE PROVIDED THE TRAIL WITH ANY TYPE OF PROTECTION FROM THE SUN/HEAT. EXTREMELY DISSATISFIED WITH HOW RIVERSIDE CITY PARKS AND RECREATION HAVE BEEN ADDRESSING THE "HOMELESS" PROBLEM THAT THEY FEEL THEY HAVE. IN LONG TERM THEY KEEP HURTING MORE GUESTS THAN THEY ACTUALLY DO KEEPING THE HOMELESS AWAY. THAT'S THE IMAGE YOU Want TO portray? That you don't care about the public health and well being as a whole. That you'd rather harm several people to try to scare away a few people who, if they had their basic needs met, wouldn't be homeless in your face...

Large park with big grassy fields that includes a frisbee golf course. Plenty of shaded picnic areas with table and grills, as well as two large picnic shelters. Drinking fountains, restrooms and ample parking. Large horse shoe pit. Sidewalks thru out for scooters and bikes, plenty of doggie bags and trash cans. The Santa Ana River bike trail runs thru the park taking you west to the Hidden Valley Nature Center (and all the way to Newport) or east to Fairmont park and San Bernardino. **Altho there is a trail leading to the river, I highly discourage use as there is a very large homeless encampment along the river starting at Van Buren, with tents right at the bottom of the trail. Also, the deadly Shigalla parasite as well as others has been detected within the past two years. Signs are posted along the trail not to drink or swim...

The day that I visited was a bit cloudy and windy but this park was more than worth the small annoyance. In a word or two breath taking. There are acres and acres at this extraordinary public city park. Lots of rolling hills and dells with some gullies and ravines too. Many varied, grand, stately, and magnanimous trees to adore. A plethora of plants and luxurious grassed areas. There are so many areas to enjoy a picnic or barbeque. And picnic tables are numerous. You will find some gazebos and built in outdoor grills. Don't forget to take a leisurely self guided tour. You will probably be surprised at some of the animals and birds you might see here. I saw a white egret, outstanding! There is so much natural wonder on these grounds, I'll be back. All this open space on the Santa Ana River with bike and jogging...