Roxaboxen Park: Where Imagination Soars
Unleash your imagination at Roxaboxen Park in Yuma, AZ: a unique play space inspired by the classic children's book and community creativity.
Roxaboxen Park, located in the heart of Yuma, Arizona, is a charming tribute to childhood imagination and community spirit. Inspired by Alice McLerran's internationally known children's book, 'Roxaboxen,' the park brings to life the story of children creating their own world in a desert landscape. The book was based on the author's mother, Marian Doan's, childhood memories of growing up in Yuma in the early 1900s. The park, situated on a half-acre site at the corner of 2nd Avenue and 8th Street, differs from a typical park. Instead of grass and playground equipment, Roxaboxen Park retains a natural desert-like setting, mirroring the book's descriptions. It features an ADA-accessible pedestrian path, informational displays, and seating areas. Children are encouraged to use their imaginations to build a community using rocks and boxes, just like the original 'Roxaboxenites'. Visitors are welcome to leave painted rocks from their hometowns, adding to the park's unique landscape. Rocks can also be mailed to the Yuma Art Center for placement in the park. Roxaboxen Park hosts various events and activities throughout the year, enhancing its appeal as a lively gathering place for locals and tourists alike. It's a place where memories are made and new adventures unfold. In May 2019, the park was enhanced with a mural, sidewalk squares, and painted rocks by community members as part of the Arizona Creative Communities Institute (AZ-CCI) project.
Local tips
- Bring painted rocks to contribute to the park's unique landscape and engage with the local community.
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to enjoy cooler temperatures and stunning views.
- Pack a picnic to fully enjoy the park's serene atmosphere and scenic picnic spots.
- Check the local event calendar for family-friendly activities and community gatherings at the park.
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the trails and rock formations throughout the park.
A brief summary to Roxaboxen Park
- 835 S 2nd Ave, Yuma, Arizona, 85364, US
- +1928-373-5200
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Walking
From downtown Yuma, head south on S 1st Ave. Continue straight for about 0.3 miles until you reach W 8th St. Turn left onto W 8th St and walk for about 0.4 miles. Next, turn right onto S 2nd Ave, and after about 0.2 miles, you will see Roxaboxen Park on your left at 835 S 2nd Ave. There are no costs associated with walking.
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Public Transport
To reach Roxaboxen Park via public transportation, take the Yuma Transit bus route that goes to the downtown area. Get off at the stop closest to S 1st Ave and W 8th St. From there, walk south on S 1st Ave until you reach W 8th St, then turn left and walk to S 2nd Ave. Turn right and continue for about 0.2 miles to arrive at Roxaboxen Park. The entire journey may take approximately 30 minutes, depending on bus schedule and walking time. Check the local bus schedule for fare information, which is typically a few dollars.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From Yuma International Airport, a taxi or ride-share service like Uber or Lyft is a convenient option. The park is approximately 4 miles from the airport. A taxi ride would cost approximately $17.60 - $20.10, plus a $3.50 airport surcharge. Services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available in Yuma.
Attractions Nearby to Roxaboxen Park
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Sanguinetti House Museum and Gardens
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Downtown Yuma Sign
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Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Business Office
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Riverside Park
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Colorado River State Historic Park
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Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park
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Museum
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Gateway Park
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East Wetlands Park
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West Wetlands Park
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Ray Smucker Park
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Robert J Moody Demonstration Garden
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Big Wes (Roadside Cowboy)
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Yuma Conservation Garden
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Z Fun Factory
Landmarks nearby to Roxaboxen Park
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Historic Downtown Yuma Gateway
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Yuma City Hall
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Visit Yuma (Admin Office)
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Yuma Visitor Information Center
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Yuma Art Center
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Yuma Landing Historic Site Landmark
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Yuma Armed Forces Park
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Prison Cemetery
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Main Guard Tower
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Stewart Vincent Wolfe Creative Playground
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Centennial Beach
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YUMAZME
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Sanguinetti Memorial Park
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Yuma City Water Tower
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Duck Head Peak