The park occupies land that formerly served as a landfill, undergoing significant environmental remediation before its conversion into a recreational space.
The facility was officially opened in 2012 to honor Officer Ryan Bonaminio’s service.
The park includes a dedicated memorial plaque and reflection area to commemorate the officer's legacy.
It is a key trailhead for the Santa Ana River Trail, a regional corridor spanning across multiple counties.
The park's lighting systems were specifically designed to minimize light pollution in the adjacent residential neighborhoods.
Ryan Bonaminio Park is a 37-acre recreational facility in Riverside, California, named in honor of a Riverside Police Officer killed in the line of duty in 2010. The park serves as a hub for organized athletics, featuring multiple lighted softball fields and a multi-purpose sports field. A key feature is the 1.5-mile trail that connects the park to the larger Santa Ana River Trail system. The grounds include a large picnic area, a playground, and expansive turf spaces for informal community gatherings. It sits at the base of the Mount Rubidoux foothills, providing direct access to hiking trails. The site is engineered for sustainable water use, utilizing recycled water for landscape irrigation.
The elevated vantage point on the trail overlooking the sports fields with the Mount Rubidoux summit in the background.
Use the dedicated trailhead parking area for the most direct access to the Santa Ana River Trail.
Check the City of Riverside’s sports league schedules online, as fields may be reserved for private tournaments on weekends.
Bring sun protection, as the younger trees in the sports field areas offer limited natural shade.
Do not attempt to hike the Mount Rubidoux trails from this park without bringing adequate water, as the path is exposed with no shade.
Leash laws are strictly enforced for pets; sports fields require reservations for organized team play.
