Pioneer Park Mesa AZ: Things to Do, Events & Local History
Published on Feb. 02, 2026
Pioneer park has been a beloved landmark for nearly a century, sitting at Main Street and Mesa Drive, just east of the Mesa Drive light rail stop in the Innovation District of Mesa, Arizona, just down the road from Venture Out. Originally opening in 1956, it became one of the hottest attractions for those in downtown Mesa. The park pays homage to the rich history of Arizona.
A Historic Landmark in the Heart of Downtown Mesa
One of the large attractions at Pioneer Park is the historical steam locomotive #2355. It was built in October 1912, by Baldwin Locomotive Works, in Philadelphia, for the Southern Pacific Railroad. During the 45 years it was in service, the locomotive traveled several million miles before it was retired and donated to the City of Mesa in April of 1956, due to railroads shifting to diesel power. #2355 was the third of ten of the 4-6-0, T-31 model locomotives built for the Southern Pacific. It is only one of two that are still standing today, with the other being #2353 in Campo, California. It operated as a dual service locomotive, acting as a commuter train for smaller passenger sizes due to the ability to monitor the speed and track the many passenger stops, and for smaller freight usage.
In the mid 1980’s Claude Pomeroy was at Pioneer Park and overheard a conversation about the park’s name, stating it should reflect the rose garden in the park. He was dedicated to show the world how the name is rooted in the legacy his grandfather created.
From Decline to Renewal: Pioneer Park’s $7.9 Million Transformation
In 1988 a life sized bronze statue was erected in the park celebrating the pioneers of the First Mesa Company of 1878. It honors the Mormon men, women, and children of the Latter-day Saints church who built Mesa to what it is today. The monument includes inscriptions with dedications to the Hohokam people and irrigation systems that were left, allowing the settlers to build upon them and ensure the dry, harsh desert had water flowing freely. Over the years, the once beloved park had fallen to the wayside. Monuments were falling into disrepair and the playground was littered with graffiti. The City of Mesa was determined to revive the park and entertain generations to come. With a $7.9 million budget, the city went to work. One of the most beloved things about the park was the nature that encompassed the area. The builders at Dig Studio and the city had the idea to model some of the design after three types of legacy trees in the area: pine, pistache, and palm. Additionally, one of the greatest design choices was to lean into the tree vibe, and make a “treehouse” lookout. There was careful consideration of the tree roots that have been around for quite some time, and ensured none of the new pillars would interfere with the root systems. There is an arboretum making a figure eight around the park to enjoy the playground from a birds-eye view. Another amazing design choice was that they added a shaded splashpad for families to enjoy during the day, that doubles as a beautiful waterfall display by night.
A Multi-Generational Park Just Minutes from Venture Out
If you were to go to the park today, you can enjoy many different activities. Embrace the beautiful spring weather on the basketball courts. Beat the summer heat by taking the kids to the splashpad and join in yourself. Feel the crisp autumn breeze on your skin as you play horseshoe on the courts. Ring in the holidays with the Merry Mainstreet celebrations taking place in the last couple months of the year. There are many events that are held at the park throughout the year. You can bring blankets, snacks, and enjoy movies in the parks. Look at classic cars while listening to classic hits at the car shows. Bring your empty bellies and hound noses around for some of the best smelling and tasting food trucks the valley has to offer every second Saturday. Check the Visit the City of Mesa’s webpage for more information on events going on within the park.
You may be telling yourself how great of a place Pioneer Park sounds, and you would be correct, but it only gets better. Pioneer Park is only a short drive away from Venture Out, a 55+ community. Since the main idea of the renovation was for it to be enjoyed by multiple generations, it was made to cater to every age group. As the park is nearly 18 acres, there is a plentiful amount of walking space. You can spend time with friends and family at a party under a shady ramada. You can visit one of the clubs that utilize the space the park has, such as the Train Club or the Daughters of the Pioneer Organization. Maybe even visit your inner child and play on the grounds yourself by going down the swirly slide! Stop by the park and revisit some of the best childhood memories you forgot you had.