Sheepherders Park Construction
Published on September 09, 2026
By: Antonia Mejia
From new sand boxes to shade structures and even a zip line, Sheepherders Park is the first in a series of recreational renovation projects coming to a neighborhood near you!
I think of Sheepherders as the quiet park in north Mesa that easily goes unnoticed. It’s not necessarily a bad trait though. The low-key atmosphere makes for a comfy environment. Often, while I’m on a long run and stop here to stretch, I spot a family or two embracing what seems to be the pleasure of a secluded green space made just… for… them. I can only imagine that with what’s to come, the number of happy families spotted at this seamlessly quiet place will be significantly more.
Demolition starts mid-September. Crews will make room for ADA accessible playground features, including a transfer station, play cubes and a bucket swing. Sand boxes will also be constructed to support sensory development and social skills, but it’s the “cozy cocoon” staff like to point out. In case you don’t know what that is, it’s a playground fixture designed for children who need a quiet space to escape when they’re overstimulated. Rubber surfacing will be added around specific fixtures, like the “cozy cocoon”, with wood chips covering the rest of the playground area. ADA accessible upgrades such as these were at the top of the priority list, especially for kids under 12.
Renovations were made possible thanks to the General Obligation 2024 Parks Bond, approved by us - the Mesa voters. A $1 million budget was set aside not only to bring new features to the park, but also to add amenities crucial to Arizona’s heat. Like a large shade structure over the playground area. I heard it was a common request by families who attended the park improvement public meetings last year. Even during Arizona’s cooler months, a little shade goes a long way in protecting kids from strong UV rays. Two pickleball courts, along with a family friendly zip line, monkey bars and a double slide also made the budget. The concept plan covers a few more highlights with a baseline sense of what the future park will look like. Completion is expected by Spring 2026 with a grand opening celebration taking place.
Until then, I made it a point to come by the park earlier this summer. It was in the middle of the day, with the temperature well above 100. I grabbed my ultra-wide-brim hat and walked the path that leads to the local neighborhood. At the end of the pathway, I came across Jake the Rock Snake. His sign read, “Add a painted rock to see how long I can get.” The artwork ranged in creativity.
To think, perhaps I should paint a rock featuring the fresh new color pallet our Project Manager diligently selected to represent the first in a series of renovation projects coming to a park near you!