It’s never truly too hot or too cold in Mesquite. Though summers top out in the mid-90s, early morning and nighttime temps dip into the 70s, and winter rarely hits freezing. All this is to say the city is the ideal setting for beautiful parks and outdoor attractions, and there is certainly plenty to explore with more than 70 parks. Below are our personal 9 favorites - but don't take our word for it, come enjoy them yourself!
Mesquite Heritage Trail
The Mesquite Heritage Trail's lush, sprawling expanse is a huge hit with locals. The trail encompasses three trailheads and more than four miles of walkways, incorporating an exercise station and a pedestrian bridge. Part of the trail connects to homes, The Mesquite Golf Club, schools, shopping centers, and more.
DeBusk Park
Spend an afternoon meandering along the 1.44-mile DeBusk Trail, or make a whole day out of it by setting up a picnic in DeBusk Park. Facilities include a playground, restrooms, and grills anyone can use to fire up a round of burgers or kebabs, and the lights come on automatically at dark, so you won’t have to limit your fun to daylight hours.
Westlake Park
Westlake Park and Sports Center offer a slew of amenities including an archery range, six lighted basketball courts, nine lighted tennis courts, and space for disc golf. At the center of the park is Westlake House, a moderately sized gathering center, available for everything from business retreats to bridal and baby showers. It is also the perfect set-up for wedding ceremonies. Have the reception in the outdoor gazebo, stroll the grounds while you’re waiting for the caterer to set up, then head indoors to enjoy the party.
City Lake Park
City Lake Park encompasses a whopping 20 acres, plenty of room for the picnic tables, covered picnic shelter, and little league baseball field that are all on-site. City Lake itself sits at the center of the park and is part of the Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Neighborhood Fishin’ program; the organization feeds catfish and trout into 18 urban lakes around the state, giving sportspeople of all ages a chance to catch their dinner.
Paschall Park
Paschall Park is one of Mesquite’s most popular green spaces. The Travis Williams Softball Complex is just across the street, and many families drop by the park before or after a game to have a cookout, spend time on the trail, or hit the swings. Paschall Park is also home to a number of city festivals, including the popular Summer Sizzle.
Butterfly Trail
View nature in all its glory and abundance at Mesquite’s Butterfly Trail. This collaboration between the City of Mesquite, Keep Mesquite Beautiful, and several local sponsors is the place to go to soak in a bevy of native plants and wildlife, especially during butterfly high season in October. Volunteers help maintain the trail and study the butterflies flitting from wildflower to wildflower, collecting information for conservation efforts. Wild, unmanicured, and stunning, the Butterfly Trail is Mother Nature at her best.
Mesquite Golf Course
Though originally constructed as a nine-hole stretch, Mesquite Golf Course now features 18 holes across 154 acres. The city assumed operations from a private management company in the 2000s, renovating the property and adding incredible Bermuda greens and 20 new bunkers. You can play four-hour rounds. You can enjoy this award-winning course at several different price points, and membership includes unlimited green and cart fees, unlimited range balls, and access to all of the practice facilities. There is also a special discount for visitors staying in Mesquite hotels.
Athletic Complexes
There are numerous athletic complexes located throughout Mesquite. These include the Travis Williams Softball Complex that hosts collegiate tournaments throughout the year, sand volleyball courts in Town East Park and the Evans Recreation Center, and the spots for soccer at the fields of Dallas College Eastfield Campus and futsal (a small-sided, fast-paced version of soccer) at the Florence Recreation Center. Mesquite also has several courses for disc golf at Paschall Park, Porter Park, and DeBusk Park. Get away from the heat and take a dive into one of the aquatic centers and swimming pools in Mesquite such as City Lake Aquatic Center, Vanston Pool, and Town East Pool.