Parks & Recreation
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Lancaster County has made a commitment to conserving greenways, including abandoned railroad lines H Conewago An Outdoor Laboratory suitable for hiking trails. Because of its rich history of rail- Recreation Trail roading, Pennsylvania has become one of the leading states Lancaster County The county’s parks provide in the establishment of rail trails. In fact, in Pennsylvania In 1979, the county acquired the Conewago Recreation opportunities for educational alone there are over one hundred such trails extending Trail located between Route 230 and the Lebanon County field trips, independent study, Parks & more than 900 miles. line northwest of Elizabeth town. This 5.5-mile trail, and numerous outdoor formerly the Cornwall & These special corridors not only preserve an im portant and environmental educa- Recreation Lebanon Railroad, follows piece of our heritage, they also give the park user a unique tion programs. Programs view of the countryside while preserv ing habitats for a the Conewago Creek include stream studies, ani- Seasonal program listings, individual park maps, and variety of wildlife. While today’s pathways offer the pedes- through scenic farmland mal tracking, orienteering, facility use fees may be obtained from the department’s trian quiet seclusion, these routes once represented part of and woodlands, and links GPS programming, owl website at www.lancastercountyparks.org. the world’s busiest transportation system. to the Lebanon Valley Rail- Trail. A 17-acre day-use prowls, moonlit walks, and area, which in cludes a interpretive walks covering For more information, call or write: small pond for fishing, was wildflowers, birds and tree Conestoga Lancaster County G acquired in 1988. This area Greenway Trail identification. Other sea- Department of Parks and Recreation is located immediately east sonal programs include 1050 Rockford Road of Route 230. Acquired in 2010, the 1.3-mile Conestoga Greenway a group challenge course, Lancaster, PA 17602 Trail is a paved pathway that runs along the outer bank canoeing, and survival of the Conestoga River as it encircles the Sunnyside skills. Telephone (717) 299-8215 Fax (717) 295-5942 peninsula. This trail provides excellent opportunities for Lancaster Junction I We invite you to learn walking, jogging and biking. It also provides a convenient Recreation Trail pedestrian connection from the City of Lancaster into about ongoing projects and programs in the Lancaster Central Park. In 1987, the County Park System by county acquired the www.lancastercountyparks.org In addition to recreational activities, the Conestoga contacting the park office or Greenway also provides educational opportunities to study Lancaster Junction E-mail: [email protected] visiting our website. the riverway itself, as well as the wildlife and flora and Recreation Trail. fauna that call it home. This trail will serve as a proto- This trail, part of the former Reading & type for the development of additional greenways along Park Rules the Conestoga River. Columbia Railroad, runs for 2.3 miles Program Services between the hamlet County parks’ rules and regulations can be viewed online The Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of Lancaster Junction and Route 283. Like the Conewago at www.lancastercountyparks.org. of services in addition to its park facilities. Recreational Trail, Lancaster Junction Trail travels through some of With a rental permit, extended hours are allowed at programs include cultural programs and in-service training Lancaster County’s most scenic farmland, and borders reserved facilities such as pavilions, camping areas, and programs for teachers. Our maintenance program and ranger Chiques Creek in its northern half. lighted athletic fields. staff are often instrumental in helping groups plan a recre- Both trails have well-graded, level surfaces, making ational, fund-raising, or other special event. Please feel free to Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at all locations. them ideal for hiking, jogging, bicycling, horseback riding, call us if our experience in this area can support your group’s Parks are patrolled by Lancaster County Park Rangers and and cross-country skiing. programming in the county parks system. by police of the municipality in which they are located. Revised 12/2015 The Lancaster County Department of Parks and Recreation In 1979, a Native American burial ground was acciden- Environmental Center The Conestoga Area is committed to improving the well-being of county residents tally discovered. A plaque marks the site. Artifacts from This beautifully restored, 19th-century bank barn is the This section is the site of year-round recreational by providing facilities and programs that encourage participa- an archaeological dig conducted at this site are on display center for the county’s environ mental education programs. activities. The county swimming pool complex is located tion in outdoor activities and foster personal action for the at the Environmental Center. Naturalists conduct public programs, classes for organized immediately adjacent to the park office. This facility conservation of natural resources. Containing 544 acres of various habitats be tween Mill groups, in-service training for teachers and environmental includes a main pool, a large beach-like children’s pool edu cation workshops. Each year people of all ages use the with water-play features, two water slides, a bathhouse, a With six regional parks and three recreational trails, the Creek and the Conestoga River, Central Park is consid- center’s auditorium and two classrooms, as well as period concession stand, playground, basketball courts and more department manages approximately 2,000 acres of land. ered by many as the flagship of Lan caster County’s fleet exhibits of local and natural history. Near the center, you than three acres of lounge area. The pool attracts over Regional parks range in level of development from Central of county parks. The park has several distinct areas that will find lovely gardens, a primitive campground and a 40,000 visitors each year. Park’s more urban setting to the Theodore Parker Natural provide their own unique facilities. wildlife habitat which surrounds the Shuts Environmental Area’s rural setting in the woodlands along Stewart Run. All The Conestoga Area is also the site of three pavilions The Williamson Area Library. county parks and services are also open to non-residents. The Kurtz Mill Covered Bridge was originally constructed with a view of the Conestoga River. These pavilions are The oldest section of Central Park, this area is named near Hinkletown in 1876. The structure was almost equipped with adjoining restrooms, play areas, and volley- for Henry S. Williamson, who originally donated the park The Environmental Center destroyed by Hurricane Agnes in 1972 and was then ball courts, making them ideally suited for family picnics Lancaster County to Lancaster City in 1903. Facili ties include a pavilion, a and Shuts Library are great rebuilt at the present site. and summer-camp programs. Nearby trails provide short A modern skate park, ball fields, a playground and a pair of Central Park resources for learners of all and long routes for the novice or experienced hiker, bird- basketball courts. The Kiwanis Area ages. watcher, or cross-country skier. Central Park, named for its central location in the county, Donated by Mrs. Clara Williamson to Lancaster City is found on the southern edge of Lancaster City and in West in 1918, this 94-acre area includes a mature oak and beech The most unique park facility in this area is the Garden Lampeter Township. The park has a rich history: forest along Mill Creek, with numer ous hiking trails. The of Five Senses. The garden combines barrier-free, paved Kiwanis Area is well-known for its covered bridge and an walkways with raised herb and flower gardens, scent boxes, Rock Ford Plantation, the preserved 18th-century home abundance of wildflowers; spring programs are conducted reflecting pools and watercourses, and interpretive signage of Edward Hand, George Washington’s Adjutant General, here annually by park naturalists. to lead the visitor through a natural experience of the five is located adjacent to the Conestoga River. senses. A nearby gazebo and picnic area, coupled with Robert Fulton first experimented with the paddle- The Kiwanis Area also includes two group facili ties: numerous seasonal flower displays, makes this site ideal for wheel boat on the Conestoga River, along what is now Pavilion #21, with an enclosed kitchen and wood-burning garden enthusiasts and photographers. Rockford Road. fireplace; and Lodge #22, a fully-enclosed, heated building with kitchen, gas fireplace, and accommoda tions for 150 people. The lodge is ideally suited for banquets, meetings, Shuts Environmental Library and other social functions. Shuts Environmental Library is a public lending library that occupies an 18th-century farmhouse beside the Environmental Center in Central Park. The library provides resources about the envi ronment to the public. Educators can take advan tage of a comprehen- Other Areas sive selection of teacher guides and curriculum materials for A sports complex on Golf Road contains softball and grades K–12. soccer fields and a large playground. North of this complex, The library contains over 4,500 books and vid eos about a community garden plot area pro vides over 300 plots for nature, wildlife, gardening, Native Ameri cans, health, vegetable gardeners. This area also includes four tennis wilderness survival, and other topics for children and adults. courts, a fitness trail, and a restored farmhouse. This The skate park covers over a quarter acre and includes a There is also an impressive collection of field guides for quaint building includes an activity room, fireplace, and Shooting star and columbine are two of the many challenging snake run; four-, six- and ten-foot bowls; and a North American plants and animals. All of these resources kitchen. The farmhouse is ideally suited for small meet- types of spring flowers found in park woodlands.