CITY PARKS AT-A-GLANCE

Park Permit Applications | Directions

Capital Area Greenbelt
Designed by the renowned architect, Warren Manning, the former Harrisburg Bike Path is a 1,200 acre "emerald necklace" running through and around the City linking five neighboring municipalities. The Greenbelt serves as a critical link connecting the City’s Riverfront Park and City Island to the Cameron and Paxtang Parkways and Wildwood Lake.

Permits are to utilize The Capital Area Greenbelt for bike tours, runs and walks.

Click here for a Capital Area Greenbelt Trail Map and Directions.

Riverfront Park
Running from Vaughn St. to Vine St.

A 4.5 mile long ribbon of park land along the City’s eastern boundary, Riverfront Park is regarded by many as the City’s most-favored green space. Its linear design allows for activities ranging from relaxing strolls to weekly running races and the midstate’s top holiday festivals. The park contains an array of public art, as well as picnic tables, benches, overlooks and promenades. Built between 1901 and 1911, its 13 overlooks and 13 steps down to the river were intended to memorialize the nation’s original 13 colonies. Uniquely themed gardens, such as the Sunken Garden in Midtown and the Peace Garden in Uptown, provide unique arboretums unlike anything else in the midstate. Riverfront Park also features two unique plazas, Kunkel and Swenson, and is one of the stepping-off points for historic Walnut Street Walking Bridge that leads to City Island and a Par-course fitness center at Front and Maclay Streets.

Permits are issued to utilize Riverfront Park for bike tours, runs, walks, weddings and a variety of special events.

City Island
Susquehanna River accessed by Market Street Bridge and Walnut Street Walking Bridge

The focal point of the comprehensive Mayor’s Waterfront Enhancement Program, City Island’s 63 acres is hosts a variety of entertainment, food and activity vendors along with Commerce Bank Park that is home to the Harrisburg’s Senators baseball club. Vendors and facilities on City Island include: The children’s Carousel; Carousel Pavilion; "Water Golf " Miniature Golf Course; City Island Railroad; food and novelty vendors in RiverSide Village Park, and Harbourtown Children’s Play area. The Skyline Sports Complex is located on the North end of the island. This multipurpose field hosts soccer, football, softball, volleyball and karate tournaments. The authentically-recreated "Pride of the Susquehanna" paddlewheel riverboat also sets sail on the Susquehanna from its City Island home dock. Additionally there is the Susquehanna Outfitters canoe and adventure service, boat ramps, three Marinas, picnic pavilions, gazebos, arcade and batting cage center and horse drawn carriage rides.

Click here to learn all about the exciting attractions and family fun on City Island!

Permits are issued to utilize City Island for bike tours, runs, walks, weddings and a variety of special events.

Reservoir Park
North East City Boundary. Entrances at State & 20th Streets -18th & Whithall Streets – Market Street between 22 and 23 Streets.

Established in 1845, this 90-acre park is the oldest and largest municipal park in south-central Pennsylvania. This park has many unique areas and structures adding to its many uses and charm. The historic circa 1898 Mansion houses the Recreation Bureau offices and art gallery; there is a near-by picnic pavilion, five Artists’ Village classroom buildings; antique-styled streetlights along the walkways run throughout the park with fountains, gardens and plazas situated at ideal locations throughout the acreage. The park features a restored 1940s era concert bandshell where every summer the "Levitt Live!" concert series attracts thousands to Saturday concerts at the bandshell featuring a wide variety of musicians, drama and the spoken word. Also located in Reservoir Park is our Park Ranger Station, the restored Brownstone Building arts & science education center and multiple Basketball and Tennis Courts and a two-tiered playground for children of all ages. The most commanding structure in Reservoir Park sits at the park apex - The National Civil War Museum. This museum operates daily featuring one of the most comprehensive Civil War Collections on the East Coast with a specific focus on the African American experience during the Civil War era. The Museum also houses a large meeting facility available for public use on a commercial basis, making the spot a favorite for wedding receptions and civic events.

Permits are issued to utilize Reservoir Park for bike tours, runs, walks, weddings, wedding receptions, reunions, birthday parties and a variety of special events.

Italian Lake
3rd & Division Streets

Located in the City’s uptown area, this exquisite 9.5 acre park has been restored to its mid-century grandeur. The lake is surrounded by antique-style streetlights, textured walkways, and formal gardens maintained in the Italian Renaissance-style. Features of the park include a beautiful Japanese-style bridge representing harmony between nature and man and a classical-style fountain designed with three muses of art, music and dance, entitle "Dance of Eternal Spring." On Sunday evenings, July through August, the Italian Lake Bandstand area welcomes residents and visitors who bring light refreshments, lawn chairs and blankets for the Italian Lake Summer Concert Series featuring folk, classical, jazz and world artists.

Click here for a complete schedule of concerts!

Permits are issued to utilize Italian Lake for weddings.

Clarence C. Morrison Park
12th and Herr Streets

Originally known as Sunshine Park, the large park was renamed in (1993) as a tribute to Judge Clarence C. Morrison. The spacious park features a large outdoor pavilion, a small playground, added a few years later, basketball and tennis courts and a playing field for a variety of youth sports including football, soccer and T-ball.

Permits are issued to utilize Clarence C. Morrison Park for reunions, wedding receptions, birthday parties, sports activities and a variety of special events.

Seventh & Radnor Park
7th & Radnor Streets

The 7th and Radnor Streets Park features youth sports & softball fields and basketball courts. This park is used exclusively for youth sports.

In addition to City sponsored youth sports activities, permits are issued to utilize 7th & Radnor Streets Park for youth sports only.

Swimming Pools
The City maintains two outdoor public swimming pools with summer learn to swim and activity programs.

Jackson Lick Pool # 1 – located at 6th & Calder Streets (behind Jackson Lick Towers)
Cloverly Heights Pool # 2 - Located at 18th and Pemberton Streets

Playgrounds
Eighteen playground sites are maintained year-round. Many feature a variety of playground equipment, pavilions and landscaping where possible. Many of these playgrounds are used for special activities and programming for City youth during the summer months.

Permits are issued to utilize Playgrounds for birthday parties and youth recreational activities.

Braxton Playground – 7th & Maclay Streets
Cloverly Heights Playground – Cloverly Heights Pool # 2 – South end of 18th Street
Fourteenth & Shoop Playground - 14th & Shoop Streets
Fourth and Dauphin Playground – 4th & Dauphin Streets
Fourth and Emerald Playground – 4th & Emerald Streets
Gorgas Playground – Jefferson & Columbia Streets
Lottsville Playground – 5th & Harris Streets
Norwood Playground – Norwood & Holly Streets
Paxtang Park – Paxtang Avenue
Penn and Dauphin - Penn & Dauphin Streets
Penn and Sayford Playground – Penn & Sayford Streets
Pleasantview – 19th & Forster Streets
Pool # 2 Playground – South end of 18th Street
Royal Terrace Playground – Summit & King Streets
Shipoke Playground – Race & Conoy Streets
Vernon Playground – 15th & Vernon Streets
Wilson Park Playground – Rumson Drive
Proposed new playground – 2401 – 2405 Berryhill Street