Long’s Park | Lancaster

Long’s Park is a cherished 80-acre public park located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, known for its blend of natural beauty, recreational facilities, and vibrant community events. Established in 1900, the park was named in honor of Judge Henry Grimly Long and his daughter Catherine Long, who generously donated the land to the city for public use.

Natural Features and Scenery

At the heart of Long’s Park lies Long’s Pond, a picturesque three-acre, spring-fed lake that serves as a central focal point. The pond is surrounded by well-maintained walking paths and features a decorative fountain. It attracts a variety of local wildlife, including ducks, turtles, and other small animals, creating a peaceful, nature-rich environment for visitors to enjoy.

In recent years, the park has expanded its commitment to environmental stewardship with the addition of a wetlands area, completed in 2023. This area includes floating wetland islands, marshes, and a sand filtration system designed to naturally improve water quality in Long’s Pond and the nearby Little Conestoga Creek. The wetlands serve as an educational example of sustainable water management and provide important habitat for birds and aquatic life.

Recreational Facilities

Long’s Park offers a wide range of recreational amenities suitable for visitors of all ages:

Playgrounds: The park features several playgrounds, including a large wooden castle-themed structure. These playgrounds provide children with a safe and imaginative space to climb, slide, and play.

Petting Zoo: A popular family attraction, the petting zoo allows visitors to interact with friendly animals such as llamas, goats, pigs, and donkeys. It’s a great way for children to learn about animals and agriculture firsthand.

Sports Areas: For active visitors, Long’s Park includes tennis courts and basketball courts, as well as a dedicated fitness trail. This trail is ideal for walking, jogging, or running while enjoying the natural surroundings.

Picnic Areas: Numerous picnic pavilions—both covered and uncovered—are scattered throughout the park. These pavilions are equipped with charcoal grills and are available for public use, making Long’s Park a favorite spot for family gatherings, community events, and casual outdoor meals.

Cultural and Community Events

Long’s Park is also a cultural hub for Lancaster, hosting a variety of popular community events that draw visitors throughout the year:

Summer Music Series: From June through August, the Long’s Park Amphitheater offers free concerts every Sunday. These performances showcase a diverse range of music genres such as blues, Latin, classical, folk, and more, providing entertainment in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Labor Day Art Festival: This renowned annual event takes place over Labor Day weekend and features over 200 juried artists and craftspeople. The festival attracts thousands of visitors and celebrates creativity by highlighting fine art, crafts, and local artisans.

Patriotic Concert and Fireworks: A special Independence Day concert by the United States Army Band is held in the park, followed by a fireworks display and community festivities, fostering a strong sense of local pride and patriotism.

Visitor Information

Hours: The park is open daily from dawn until dusk, allowing visitors ample time to explore and enjoy its amenities.

Admission: Entry to Long’s Park and attendance at most events is free of charge.

Location: The park is located on Harrisburg Pike (Route 30) in Lancaster, PA 17601.

Parking and Accessibility: There is ample parking available near the amphitheater and throughout the park. The park is wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and facilities designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities.

Summary

Long’s Park stands as a versatile and vibrant green space in Lancaster, balancing serene natural landscapes with family-friendly recreational opportunities and lively cultural programming. Whether visitors come for a peaceful walk around the pond, a fun day with children at the playground and petting zoo, a spirited tennis match, or to enjoy live music and festivals, Long’s Park offers something for everyone, making it a treasured community resource.

For more detailed information about pavilion rentals, upcoming events, or volunteer opportunities, the Long’s Park Amphitheater Foundation website is the best resource.