As the weather starts to cool down and autumn brings color to El Paso, outdoor activities begin to feel more appealing. For many, playing a game of basketball can unload a lot of unwanted stress while also providing a way to meet and bond with friends. While UTEP students have access to the UTEP Student Recreation Center, some students might find a change of scenery pleasant. Below are five different parks that students can access within the City of El Paso. 

Mission Hills Park 

Mission Hills Park, 3800 O’Keefe Drive, just about three minutes from the university. The park is surrounded by a quaint neighborhood with a view of the Franklin Mountains. Mission Hills features several amenities like a playground, a canopy, a tennis court and even a volleyball pit. The main attraction of course is the basketball court. The court itself is a painted cement concourse with designs reminiscent of parks from the early 1980s. Mission Hills could be a great option for students living on or near campus after a lengthy day of classes. 

Pavo Real Park 

Pavo Real Park is a great option for students living around the Socorro area as the park is at 9301 Alameda Ave., right by Presa Elementary School. Aside from the basketball court, the park offers a baseball field, a multi-purpose field and most notably a spray park. The park is also American Disability Act (ADA) compliant. The basketball court is a bit older than other courts on the list, but the surrounding amenities make the Pavo Real experience worthwhile for friends and family. 

Ranchos del Sol Park 

Ranchos del Sol Park is found in El Paso’s Lower Valley right of Joe Battle Blvd. and Gateway West Blvd. at 1100 Ted Houghton Drive. Ranchos del Sol offers a playground, multipurpose field and picnic shelters while also being ADA Compliant. The basketball court is isolated for those who play too intensely for a general crowd. Only a four-minute drive from the SISD Student Activities Center, Ranchos del Sol Park provides a great option for students living out by Texas Highway Loop 375. 

Arbor Park 

A small park off Texas Highway 62, Arbor Park offers a small and quaint environment for basketball aficionados. The park is at 3141 Manny Aguilera Drive across from The Hospitals of Providence East Campus. The park simply has a playground and a basketball court. Arbor’s simplicity is easily the park’s strong suit. As the sun sets, the court turns into a warm and inviting environment. This would be a safe haven for students looking to find an oasis. 

Lincoln Park 

Rooted in El Paso’s Chicanx heritage, Lincoln Park, is found under Interstate 10 and Texas Highway 54 at 4001 Durazno Street. The park has become a staple for the El Paso community as it finds itself the host of several events such as markets and car meets. The thing that makes Lincoln stand out from other parks around the city is the murals local artists have painted on the columns that hold the freeway up. The artworks are influenced by Mexican murals to promote both Mexican and Chicanx heritage. 

The courts are minimalist, only consisting of pavement and white paint, but the back boards feature artwork in a similar style to that of the rest of the park. Aside from the basketball court, the park offers picnic shelters, handball courts, a volleyball court and a playground. Lincoln Park easily offers the most unique playing experience along with several other activities that can keep students busy for hours at a time. 

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela is the sports editor and may be reached at [email protected]: @rivasemmanuel2 on Instagram