River District

Build it: New Parks, plazas, and infrastructure

The City of Riverside owns 800 acres of parkland near the river. Much of this land is undeveloped and is a burden to complete fire reduction and maintenance each year with little benefit to the community. As stewards of the land, it is our obligation to improve these lands for recreational use and restore the habitat for the enjoyment of wildlife and people. Core projects may include:

• Riverside Gateway Parks Improvements
• Diversification and Expansion of
• Amenities and Features
• Wayfinding and Branding
• Parking Expansion/Structure
• Trail Head Design and Development
• Tributary Bike Paths

Maintain It

Maintaining parks isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a critical investment that supports public health, safety, economic strength, and environmental resilience. For the River District, consistent, high-quality maintenance will be essential to realizing these benefits. Reliable care ensures that walking trails, waterways, amenities, and public art remain safe, functional, and welcoming—supporting recreation, tourism, and property values along the corridor. In turn, this builds public trust and strengthens the district’s brand.

Program It

Strategic programming and capital investment will make the River District more active and appealing by supporting events like marathons, bike rides, cleanups, festivals, concerts, sports, and birdwatching. The area will attract individuals and families for recreation and relaxation. River access points near parks such as Martha McClean and Carlson will allow visitors to reach the water safely, with amenities like trash cans, fountains, and lifeguard stations. These areas will open only once water quality and flood safety are ensured.

Possible Programs

• Nature Walks
• Art Walks/Events
• River Cleanup Events
• Water Safety
• Music Events and Concerts
• Movies/Theater in the Park
• Food and Beverage Festival
• Educational Programming
• Photography Workshops
• Cycling Clubs
• Armory Programming
• Yoga Classes
• Car Shows

Secure It

Securing the River District creates a safe and welcoming environment for visitors while protecting natural resources and improving water quality. A coordinated approach to security, weather preparedness, and fire mitigation is key to maintaining long-term safety and resilience. Limiting unauthorized access helps prevent illegal dumping, vehicle trespassing, and encampments that harm habitats and elevate fire risk. Strategic use of barriers ensures both public safety and emergency access. The city also takes proactive measures during extreme weather—such as opening access points during red flag warnings and issuing flood or storm alerts—and conducts regular multi-agency enforcement and fire prevention efforts to safeguard the area and deter illegal activity.