List of city parks and recreation facilities of Allentown, Pennsylvania
Lehigh Parkway, the largest park in Allentown, built during the 1930s as a Works Progress Administration project, in 2012Cedar Creek Park in west-side Allentown in 2019Franklin Park at 218 N. 14th Street in 2021
Much of the initial planning and funding of Allentown's park system began in the early 20th century, supported by Harry Clay Trexler, a local industrialist who was inspired by the City Beautiful movement. Trexler brought in B. A. Haldeman, a nationally known city park consultant, to Allentown, and Haldeman provided the plans for the development of the growing city. J. Franklin Meehan of Philadelphia was the landscape architect who laid out many of the city's first public parks.[1]
In 1906, Trexler hired Meehan to lay out a park on the land, which opened in 1909. West Park features a bandshell, designed by Philadelphia architect Horace Trumbauer, which has long been home to the Allentown Band and other community bands.[2] Soon after, it became apparent that a need existed for recreational facilities for children and young people. Meetings of the Allentown City Council were held about this and several proposals were presented and discussed.
Allen Park, located in the vicinity of Trout Hall, was the first city park in Allentown, although it did not become city property until 1908.[1] A 6.59-acre (26,700 m2) park in what was a community trash pit and sandlot baseball field became Allen Park, the city's first public park[2] established in an upscale area of the city.
In 1912, the city's first public playground was established at Fountain Park.[1] During the summer vacation months, all Allentown School District school grounds are open as neighborhood playgrounds.
Trexler also facilitated the development of Cedar Creek Park, the Allentown Municipal Golf Course and the Trout Nursery in Lehigh Parkway.
Following Trexler's death in 1933, Trexler's summer estate, a 142-acre tract was willed to the City of Allentown and was renamed Trexler Memorial Park. The Harry C. Trexler Trust continues to provide private funding for the maintenance and development of Allentown's public park system.[3]
List of parks and recreation facilities
The following is a list of city parks and recreation facilities located in Allentown:[4]
Large park over 90 Acres, from Lake Muhlenburg west to Cedar Crest Boulevard. Developed in the late 1920s by Mayor Malcom Gross, Sr.[1] Includes tennis courts, children's play area, Cedar Beach public swimming pool, Allentown Rose Garden, and large areas for picnics and recreation activities.
City public swimming pool and a large park with numerous baseball diamonds, tennis and basketball courts, and picnic and recreation areas along Jordan Creek
Formerly Union Terrace Park. Large, 21 Acre park built by WPA over a former mosquito wetland.[1] Park features WPA built grass and stone outdoor amphitheater. Includes Union Terrace Lake, baseball diamonds and recreation fields, also areas for picnicking and recreation.
Largest park in Allentown, 629 acres. Land acquired in 1929, developed by Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the 1930s, providing jobs during the Great Depression years. It is the most prominent park of the city and follows the Little Lehigh Stream for three miles. The park features many scenic exercising trails in addition to bridle paths, a shooting range, and many fishing locations.[1]
The former summer home of Harry Clay Trexler that was deeded to City of Allentown after Trexler's death in 1933. Now large park with lake, long biking road, large grassy and wooded areas for picnicking and recreation. Wild game preserve, home of several hundred ducks, geese and swans.[1] Motor vehicles allowed in the parking area by the park entrance but nowhere else.
A large park along Trout Creek, including a long road though the park, which is primarily wooded and grassy and includes picnic and recreation areas and a baseball field
Elegant park with walking paths, including a community bandshell, now home of the Allentown Band, and ornamental trees, flower gardens, and a large central fountain
