Top Places to Visit in Gilbert, Arizona's The Islands - Naturopathic Physician Near Me
About The Islands Neighborhood in Gilbert, Arizona
Gilbert is a town in Maricopa County, Arizona, located southeast of Phoenix in the Phoenix metropolitan region. It is the sixth-largest town in Arizona, and the fifth-largest in the Phoenix metro area, and was once renowned as the "Hay Shipping Capital of the World." It is about 69 square miles in size (179 km2).
Gilbert has evolved rapidly from an agriculturally based village to an economically varied suburban city in the Greater Phoenix area's southeastern valley. Its population has risen at an incredible rate over the previous three decades, from 5,717 in 1980 to 243,254 according to the 2020 census. During this 30-year period, the town increased at a pace of about 13% per year on average. The population of the town was expected to reach 254,114 in 2019. It is the United States' biggest incorporated town.
Gilbert is home to a number of popular lake villages, including The Islands, which spans over a square mile and has 80 acres of water spread across three distinct lakes. You have a range of waterfront property options with over 400 waterfront residences developed, ranging from townhomes to bespoke homes. If boating is essential to you, The Islands should be on your list.
Things to Do in The Islands Neighborhood
Residents and tourists to the Islands Neighborhood will find a plethora of entertaining attractions. Here's a rundown of some of our favorites:
When the Gilbert Farmers Market originally opened in October 2010, there were just about 30 vendors. In the summer, Gilbert Farmers Market attracts more than 60 merchants, and in the fall, it attracts more than 100.
The Gilberts Farmers Market has been a cornerstone of the town's thriving farming culture for a decade and is one of the most well-attended farmers markets in the East Valley.
During the peak season, the market, which takes place on Saturday mornings beneath the famous water tower, attracts over 100 sellers each week. Local, organic fruit, farm-fresh eggs, meat, cheeses, sauces, and other items are available. While browsing the market, visitors may expect to see a variety of food trucks and entertainment.
Their aim is to promote local sustainability, healthy eating, and green living practices in Gilbert and the neighboring communities. As well as teaching the public about local food by allowing them to visit with farmers and other vendors in person to learn about where their food comes from and how it is grown and produced.
Merchant Square Antique Marketplace is recognized for its enthralling range of antiques, furniture, and attractive accessories, as well as its high quality, selection, style, and affordable rates.
They have a little bit of everything and have been dubbed anything from an Arizona antiques mall to an Arizona Swap Meet to an Arizona Flea Market to the greatest AZ antiques.
With a pleasant and efficient team of management people, floor workers, and cashiers, they take pleasure in offering outstanding customer service. It is their mission to ensure that everyone who visits Merchant Square enjoys a fantastic shopping experience.
Their marketplace is 58,000 square feet and houses 250 vendors, making it the largest antiques shop in Phoenix, Arizona. Customers come to Merchant Square for the limitless variety of one-of-a-kind treasures, but they also come for the experience and ambiance. Merchant Square is more than just a market; it's a destination and a journey.
Locals refer to downtown Gilbert as the Heritage District. It is currently a collection of over 30 restaurants in a colorful and dynamic environment, combining the finest of Gilbert's locally made products with some of the best eateries in the metro Phoenix culinary scene.
You may have heard that downtown Gilbert is the place to dine these days. And the locals couldn't be happier with the progress. The Heritage District has grown into a bustling eating hub with a wide mix of eateries, earning it recognition as one of metro Phoenix's best gastronomic districts and a distinctive culinary destination.
Expect an unusual shopping experience with a variety of shops and retailers offering a wide range of items and services. There are one-of-a-kind, stylish shops and specialized merchants selling furniture, locally produced art, antiques, seasonal gifts, and one-of-a-kind items that you won't find anywhere else. Tattoos and vintage sweets are also on the Heritage District's shopping list.
Gilbert Historic Society had been meeting since 1960 and had been established in 1979, but they lacked a permanent home. The historical society leased the facility from Gilbert Public Schools after the school closed in 1977 and it became available, and the history museum opened in 1982. The Society then bought the building and property in 1985, thanks to a significant contribution from Otto and Edna Neely.
Until 2005, when the first executive director was recruited, the museum was run entirely by volunteers. The museum went on to become one of Arizona's top community history museums over the following few years. In 2010, the Society began looking for a new path that would keep them going for the long haul. Many strategic planning sessions and discussions with community stakeholders were held by the staff and board of directors.
A new programming concept called Communities for All Ages (CFAA) seemed to match this town, with almost 37 percent of Gilbert residents under the age of 19 and over 25 percent over 50. CFAA is an intergenerational paradigm that allows generations to learn from and grow alongside one another.
Because of the absence of arts and culture in Gilbert, the organization's goal was broadened in 2016 to encompass more than simply history. While the Society will always preserve and promote Gilbert's history, it was decided to begin the metamorphosis into an arts and cultural center.
The Gilbert Historical Museum's name now only referred to a subset of the organization's work. As a result, the quest for a new business name began. The moniker HD SOUTH seemed to be the right choice because of the building's unusual and unique location at the south end of the bustling and popular Heritage District. The Society adopted the new HD SOUTH moniker in October 2017, with the tagline "Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum."
When Ruth and Nathan Hale came from Salt Lake City to Glendale, California in 1943 with the goal of starting their careers as performers, they immediately recognized that the only way to do it was to create their own theater. The Hale Centre Theatre was founded in 1947 when they rented a modest facility in Glendale.
Despite the fact that their first night only drew six people, their small theatre grew in popularity. Since then, the theatre has run every year, passed down from generation to generation.
As one of five theatres owned by members of the Hale family, the Hale Centre Theatrical is part of one of America's longest-running, privately owned and operated theatre enterprises. The theatre was opened in 2003 by David Hale Dietlein, bringing a portion of the Hale theatre tradition to Arizona.
With single tickets starting at $22, it serves as a family-friendly venue for time-honored productions such as "The 39 Steps" and "Daddy Long Legs," as well as seasonal favorites like "A Christmas Carol."
When Ruth and Nathan Hale came from Salt Lake City to Glendale, California in 1943 with the goal of starting their careers as performers, they immediately recognized that the only way to do it was to create their own theater. The Hale Centre Theatre was founded in 1947 when they rented a modest facility in Glendale.
Despite the fact that their first night only drew six people, their small theatre grew in popularity. Since then, the theatre has run every year, passed down from generation to generation.
As one of five theatres owned by members of the Hale family, the Hale Centre Theatrical is part of one of America's longest-running, privately owned and operated theatre enterprises. The theatre was opened in 2003 by David Hale Dietlein, bringing a portion of the Hale theatre tradition to Arizona.
With single tickets starting at $22, it serves as a family-friendly venue for time-honored productions such as "The 39 Steps" and "Daddy Long Legs," as well as seasonal favorites like "A Christmas Carol."
Living in The Islands Neighborhood
Residents of The Islands Neighborhood are fortunate to live in a natural setting while still being near to the city. Within a five-minute drive of The Islands, there is never a shortage of coffee shops, parks, or retail malls to visit. Residents can also find spiritual fulfillment at the following places of worship:
Gilbert's Vineyard Community Church is a diverse congregation of Jesus believers. They want the Kingdom of God to come into being right now. They worship God in the hopes of transforming the world and touching heaven. They want to be a church that represents Jesus' heart, one that invites people from all walks of life into a circle of hope, fellowship, and healing. They recognize that everyone comes to Christ damaged, and that it is the Holy Spirit's power that heals and mends souls. Everything they do, from weekend services to small groups to different missions they participate in throughout the week, is based on one of these three themes, which explain what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
On Father's Day, June 17, 1990, Life Community had its inaugural service, which drew slightly under 100 people. The old Methodist Church building at 202 S. Gilbert Road had lately been bought by them. Over the following eleven years, they slowly increased to about 300 people. They were preparing to make an offer on a property on Gilbert Road south of Warner in 2001 when the Foursquare church renting space in the Gilbert Commerce Center (GCC) about a mile north of them shuttered its doors. Life Community was granted their place. In August 2001, they conducted their inaugural service at 415 N. Gilbert Road. God continued to provide them with great opportunities. When the GCC was put up for sale, they bought all four buildings. They sold three of the buildings a few years later, leaving them with a 25,000-square-foot church that was essentially debt-free. Life Community bought a historic Albertson's facility at Cooper and Ray in 2014. They totally restored the church and constructed a new one.
They aspire to be an open-air church. They are called by Jesus to reach out to the lost and broken. The lost will be discovered outside of their building's walls. Most churchgoers prefer to remain within their own walls, although they make an attempt to emulate the church described in Acts. They want to see changes in their city.
They become a community of believers when they get together. What exactly does the word 'community' imply? They think that through being in fellowship with one another, they may grow closer to God and one another. Iron sharpens iron, according to the Bible. They think that by working together, they may achieve greater success.
They place a high importance on their interpersonal ties. They seek to grow spiritually via fellowship and, as a result, become closer to God. They respect God's word and the Holy Spirit's direction. They want to give grace to the broken and lost, as well as to guide those who are hopeless to Jesus Christ.
Grace North welcomes everyone, no matter who they are or where they've come from. On these campuses, you'll find a warm, laid-back vibe and be greeted by individuals who are happy to meet you. Simply dress comfortably and enjoy a cup of coffee at a table in the Cafe! High-energy contemporary worship music, thought-provoking and engaging Bible-based teaching, and fun informative teaching for youngsters are all part of their weekend services. They consider themselves to be today's church, not simply tomorrow's!
Redemption Church is a single congregation with several local churches around Arizona. The structure of Redemption Church is multi-congregational. This implies that each local congregation's ministry is structured, directed, and supported by a central governing council. Local churches, such as Redemption Gilbert, are unified and cooperating, yet they each have their own leadership and are allowed to contextualize their activities. They are a non-denominational church with a Reformed theological perspective on salvation. They think that everything in life is for Jesus. They were rescued by grace via faith, which is a gift in and of itself. That gift gives them the ability to be changed into persons who embody His redeeming power and participate in the regeneration of all things.
Parks, Schools & Other Points of Interest in The Islands Neighborhood
The Islands Neighbourhood also has some fantastic parks, schools, public libraries, and schools for the enjoyment of its residents. Residents from the neighboring areas use these facilities because they are all world-class, well-maintained, and clean. Here's a quick rundown of everything in The Islands Neighborhood:
After educating hundreds of children, this family of educators founded the Wilkins Learning Center to provide the same atmosphere that produced the best educational results: love and respect. Make learning enjoyable! This is the Wilkins Way Approach, as it is known among parents. Parents noticed remarkable compassion and how it had a profound influence on the hearts and brains of children. They think that the manner in which knowledge is imparted is as essential as the knowledge itself. They received four nominations for Walt Disney Teacher of the Year as a result of their award-winning approach.
Gilbert Elementary School provides a fantastic learning environment for all of its pupils. The Spanish Immersion program provides children in grades K through 6 with an exciting chance to learn academic topic areas in both English and Spanish. On campus, student clubs allow students to try new things, discover their passions, and build lifetime skills. Students may learn in both indoor classrooms and outdoor settings like Synergy Square and the Leadership Garden on their gorgeous outdoor campus. Their entire staff is dedicated to teaching and caring for all of the children.
You can find them at the Southeast Regional Library's lobby. They sell books, media, and library discards that have been given by the community. Since launching in 1999, they've been a key source of money for their libraries, allowing them to provide products and activities that aren't covered by the Gilbert and Maricopa County budgets. Visit their volunteer store from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
With four sites around the city, the Chandler Public Library serves Chandler and the wider Phoenix East Valley. They have internet streaming materials such as movies, periodicals, and e-books in addition to books. They also provide activities for people of all ages, as well as e-resources including ConsumerReports.org, Lynda.com, and a variety of information databases that may be accessed with a valid Chandler Public Library card.
Freestone Park, the Town of Gilbert's first large District Park, opened to the public in June 1988 on 65 acres. Softball fields, a concession building with bathrooms, a “tot lot” workout facility for adult fitness, two multiuse fields, and an amphitheater were all part of the original amenities.
Over time, more land was added, resulting in a total of 88 developed acres and 32 undeveloped acres. The park was originally built for $3.2 million in land and $3.5 million in upgrades.
The Freestone Railroad, which includes a tiny train, antique carousel, and mini Ferris wheel, as well as the Rip City Batting Cages, was added to Freestone Park in 1992. Volleyball and basketball courts, as well as a courtside ramada, were built to the park in 1996. Tennis courts and a skate park were added to the project in 2001. In December 2002, the Freestone Recreation Center, located north of the park, finally opened its doors. After celebrating the park's 25th anniversary in 2013, it underwent extensive renovations, including new basketball court surfacing, ballfield lighting, and a shaded playground structure. In 2015, a new playground structure with wheelchair accessibility was constructed to the ballfield area.
Map From The Islands Neighborhood to Our Location
