10 North 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 255-3040
Parks & Recreation
About Us
The Bureau of Parks and Recreation enhances the lives of City of Harrisburg residents and visitors by offering quality recreational and leisure activities, cultural experiences, and special event programs. We provide a positive environment through the enhancement, maintenance, and protection of an extensive public park system to create an environment that is safe, affordable, and enriching for all.We take pride in the fact that our free or low-cost, family-friendly entertainment reaches out to a variety of citizens and visitors to truly reflect our diverse community. Through our devoted employees, generous sponsors, and obliging volunteers, we are able to conduct some of the most rewarding and successful events in the Central Pennsylvania area. We look forward to continuing to provide a variety of programs and events that provide opportunities for community interaction and enhanced quality of life.
Wood chips for gardens are available; call 717-232-3017 for details.
Summer Seasonal Employment Opportunities
The City of Harrisburg Parks & Recreation Department will open applications for summer seasonal positions on Friday, February 13. Applications will be accepted through Friday, April 10.
If you’re interested in spending your summer making a difference in our parks, pools, and community programs, we encourage you to apply. Seasonal positions offer a great opportunity to gain experience, serve the community, and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing Harrisburg’s public spaces. Apply Online:
Seasonal Employment Application
Pool Concessions Vendor Opportunity
Parks & Recreation is looking for food vendors to sell concessions and summer favorites at Jackson Lick Pool this season! We’re seeking vendors who can provide fun, family-friendly food options for pool visitors throughout the summer. Food carts and mobile vendors are encouraged to apply. Applications close May 8th.
Jackson Lick Pool Concessions Vendor Application
Upcoming Programs & Events
Parks & Recreation Magazine
Project Updates
Click below to view our park plans.
Parks & Playgrounds
The City maintains 25 parks and playgrounds. The largest parks include City Island, Riverfront Park, Reservoir Park and Italian Lake. Please review the park regulations for more information.
- Braxton Playground (2118 North 7th Street)
- Capital Area Green Belt (Connecting Riverfront Park, City Island, Reservoir Park and Wildwood Lake (Dauphin County Managed Park)
- City Island (Middle of the Susquehanna River, entrances at Market and Walnut Streets)
- Cloverly Heights Playground (1801 Pemberton Street)
- Gorgas Playground (693 Columbia Street)
- Hall Manor Playground (Pool) (1413 South 18th Street)
- Italian Lake (Third and Division Streets)
- Lottsville Playground (1608 N 5th Street)
- Morrison/Sunshine Park (12th and Herr Streets)
- Norwood Playground (2007 Ellsworth Alley)
- Paxtang Park (191-299 City Park Drive)
- Penn & Dauphin Playground (Penn and Dauphin Streets)
- Penn & Sayford Playground (Penn and Sayford Streets)
- Pleasantview Playground (19th and Forester Streets)
- Reservoir Park (100 Concert Drive)
- Riverfront Park (Along the Susquehanna River from Vaughn to Hanna Streets)
- Royal Terrace Playground (North Summit and King Streets)
- Shipoke Playground (Race and Conoy Streets)
- Vernon Street Playground (1509 Vernon Street)
- Wilson Park (259 Rumson Drive)
- 4th & Dauphin (4th and Dauphin Streets)
- 4th & Emerald Playground (4th & Emerald Streets)
- 7th & Radnor Sports Park (7th and Radnor Streets)
- 14th & Shoop Playground (North 14th and Shoop Streets)
Park Maintenance
The Parks Maintenance Staff maintains all restroom facilities located in our parks. The restrooms are cleaned and checked daily. If you see something broken, lighting that does not work, overflowing trash cans or any other issue that needs attention, please submit a Help Desk ticket or call 3-1-1 or 717-255-3040 and the issue will be documented and brought to our attention for remediation.
Please contact the non-emergency number for the Police at 717-558-6900 and ask to be connected to the Park Ranger.
Fill out our Tree Inspection Form so the City Arborist can complete an inspection.
Parks and Recreation
These free events enrich our Harrisburg communities and neighborhoods by giving kids and their families a fun and safe space to relax and spend time with family. We host annual events like the Halloween Bash at the Brownstone, Family Fishing Day, our Winter Wonderland, and an Annual Easter Egg Hunt. These events do not require registration, so be sure to come on out! For questions, call our community events coordinator at 717-255-3010.
These community programs enrich our Harrisburg communities and neighborhoods by providing people of all ages with fun and free activities such as Art in the Park, The Summer Enrichment Program, Aqua Zumba, and more! These programs are all free, although they do have limited spacing and require registration so be sure to follow us on Facebook for regular updates and photos of all the fun!
To register for programs, visit harrisburg.recdesk.com to register for a program or reserve a facility. If the site is not working, call 717-232-3017 for assistance.
To register for programs, visit harrisburg.recdesk.com to register for a program or reserve a facility. If the site is not working, call 717-232-3017 for assistance.
Visit harrisburg.recdesk.com/Community/Facility to reserve a park or pavilion. If you have any questions or need further assistance, call 717-232-3017.
Parks and Rec accepts checks and money orders made out to City of Harrisburg Treasury and mailed or delivered to the Parks and Recreation office at 100 Concert Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17103.
Block parties are not under the Public Works department of Traffic and Engineering. Email Veronica Lefever at [email protected]
To have a bench placed in a park, please email [email protected] where you would like the bench and if you would like it personalized to start the process. Bench prices start at $2,500 and could increase depending on the order requests.