Down the scenic Old Friant Road lies a brand new park filled with activities and beautiful views.
Ball Ranch is a new park that opened on Nov. 12, and is around 350 acres on the San Joaquin River Parkway. It is open seven days a week and the hours of operation change depending on the season. Admission and parking is also free for everyone.
The park is home to a large pond where people can fish for bass, catfish or panfish. There is a bait shop near the entrance where guests can purchase fishing supplies as well as snacks and beverages.
Stunning views riddle the park while opportunities to watch wildlife are common. Guests will also find massive and scenic trails for hiking, biking and even horseback riding.
Jill Jones is a retired real estate broker who now rides her three horses daily. She recently went to Ball Ranch for the first time and went horseback riding there.
“I will recommend it to others,” Jones said. “If you stay on the designed trail, it’s not as fun as wandering off into the unknown. We did find dried river beds that had beautiful sand and are much safer for our horses.”
Jones added that her time there was wonderful and that she will be returning to continue her exploration.
The park is funded through the San Joaquin River Conservancy which is a state-funded organization according to Sarah Parkes, assistant director at River Parkway Trust. The Trust oversees around 5,000 acres and preserves the San Joaquin River areas in Northern Fresno.
She added that in the 80s, Ball Ranch was slated to be turned into high-end housing and a golf course, but was stopped by Mary Savala, Clary Creager and Peg Smith, the group of women who began the San Joaquin River Committee. This committee would later turn into the River Parkway Trust.
“So Ball Ranch is at the heart of our history and so it is really exciting now that it’s open again for the public to enjoy,” Parkes said.
The park has plans to add more benches and tables in the near future, while permanent restrooms are long-term goals.
The park is also connected to Sumner Peck Ranch, which is a 78-acre property that has seasonal fruit pickings and orchards to admire.
Ball Ranch will hold its official grand opening on Dec. 13 where all are welcome to attend.
