Parks & Green Spaces Challenge September 15
To get credit for the visiting, simply take a selfie at the site and share it on your social media and our website with a description of where you’re at and the hashtag #MissionInnRun. You can then login to your RunSignUp page and upload your results, earning real rewards for visiting more sites.
White Park
Ninth and Market Streets
Established in 1883 with private donations of land and labor, this park formerly reflected the Victorian philosophy of eclectic and exotic landscaping in public outdoor spaces. Named for Albert W. White, a city trustee and private citizen, the park was deeded to the city in 1889.
North Park
Mission Inn Avenue and Vine Streets
Maintained by the City since 1927, the park is the former site of John W. North’s home, organizer of the original Riverside colony.
Fairmount Park
An open space for picnicking and relaxing since the founding of the city in 1870, the park is a city landmark today. Masterfully redesigned and laid out by the Olmsted Brothers in 1911. Fairmount Park remains one of their West Coast masterpieces.
Mt. Rubidoux
Located west of downtown Riverside, Mt. Rubidoux is named for Louis Rubidoux, an early settler to the area. Frank Miller purchased the land in 1906 on which he built a road, planted vegetation and dedicated a cross to Father Junipero Serra. The nation’s first annual outdoor Easter Sunrise Service was initiated here in 1909 and inspired similar programs across the country. The Peace Tower was designed by Arthur Benton and built in 1925.
Victoria Ave
This landscaped divided avenue was developed to connect the 1890 Arlington Heights subdivision to downtown. Grading was completed in 1892. Landscape architect Franz P. Hosp supervised the original planting; the avenue now includes over 90 species of trees as well as numerous shrubs.
Sources: Downtown Riverside Historic Walking Guide, Riverside Citrus Heritage Driving Tour Map, City of Riverside Historic Guides
