In 1988, the Town of Gilbert opened the gates to Freestone Park - its first Major District Park. Initially spanning 65 acres, this park quickly became a beloved community hub. The park's early offerings included softball fields, a concession stand, restrooms, a fitness area, multi-purpose fields, and an amphitheater.

 
As the Town of Gilbert continues to grow and develop, Freestone Park remains a testament to the town's commitment to providing vibrant and inclusive spaces for all. Today, Freestone Park stands as an iconic landmark, offering a diverse range of recreational activities for residents and visitors alike.
In 1996, volleyball and basketball courts, along with a shaded courtside area, were added to the engaging activities for visitors and families to enjoy. In 2001, further additions included tennis courts and a skate park. The park's recreational offerings were yet again enhanced in December 2002 with the opening of the Freestone Recreation Center.
Among these activities, the park includes an antique carousel, a mini Ferris wheel, and batting cages as an extra layer of fun for all ages. The highlight of Freestone Park is its charming miniature train, which takes visitors on a delightful three-quarter-mile journey around the park and travels directly adjacent to the playground.
However, the park's original playground, built in 1992, began to show its age and no longer met the evolving standards for inclusive play for the community. Recognizing this need, the Town of Gilbert commissioned multi-disciplinary EPS Group to lend their landscape architecture services and revitalize the space. The collaborative effort resulted in a stunning transformation, creating a modern, vibrant, code-compliant playground that caters to children of all abilities within the Gilbert community.
The redesigned playground boasts exciting and modern play equipment sheltered by a vibrant, colorful, tension sail structure. To maximize the play area, new decorative paving, sidewalks, retaining walls, and fencing were installed, creating a safe and inviting environment for all. The playground surface was upgraded with a combination of poured-in-place and wood fiber materials, ensuring both safety and accessibility. A newly developed belvedere lets children safely view the passing train from above while also offering a panoramic view of the park. To complete the transformation, native shade trees, benches, seating areas, colorful landscaping, and an improved irrigation system were added, creating a welcoming and engaging environment for families.
A key focus of the collaborative renovation was to enhance inclusivity. The project incorporated several features to ensure accessibility for all users, including accessible parking, ADA-compliant ramps, and interactive play panels designed to engage children of all abilities. The playground by the lake and nearby baseball/softball fields have been confirmed as a Certified Autism Center (CAC), providing sensory-friendly amenities and resources for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. This designation underscores the park's commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. The playground designed for ages 5-12 is conveniently located near a restroom and ramada for larger families to safely watch their children while utilizing all amenities. The overall playground improvements will add a whole different dimension to this cherished Gilbert Park for many years to come.
The revitalization of Freestone Park's playground marks a significant milestone in the Town of Gilbert's ongoing commitment to providing inclusive and accessible recreational spaces. By prioritizing inclusivity, safety, and playfulness, this project has transformed the park into a vibrant destination for families and individuals of all ages and abilities. As the Town of Gilbert continues to grow and evolve, it is evident that the park's legacy will endure, providing countless opportunities for joy, relaxation, and community building for generations to come.