A 2013 video showcasing Fairmount Park’s history and attractions offers a nostalgic look at one of Riverside’s most treasured public spaces.
The video captures the park’s diverse amenities and historical significance, from Lake Evans and the golf course to the site where a carousel and roller coaster once operated. It highlights features that have drawn families and recreation enthusiasts to the 200-acre destination for more than a century.
The footage serves as a reminder of why the park earned recognition as one of the American Planning Association’s Great Places in America in 2011. Viewers can see the historic band shell designed by Mission-style architect Arthur Burnett Benton in 1920, along with the Rose Garden and various recreational facilities.
As the city seeks resident input on Fairmount Park’s future development, the video provides context for the park’s enduring appeal. Established in 1911 and designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., the park has evolved while maintaining its role as a central gathering place for the community.
The throwback footage offers both longtime residents and newcomers a chance to appreciate the park’s legacy before weighing in on its future direction.
