FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Tree limbs are blocking a stop sign in the City, who is responsible to clear the limbs?
A. Call 717-255-3020 to report any tree limbs blocking stop signs in the City. Report exact location of stop sign and tree.

Q. How can I get information about health license requirements for special events? (Kipona, Artsfest, American Musicfest.)
A. The Health Inspector in the Code Bureau, 717-255-6553.

Q. Are City parks always open to the public?
A. City Parks are available for free public use from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, seven days a week, year-round.

Q. How do I report vandalism or an emergency in a City park?
A. The Park Ranger Corps patrols all City Parks daily. To report park vandalism, wild or stray animal concerns, or to seek assistance from a Park Ranger call the Harrisburg Bureau of Police Communications Center at 717-255-3131 and ask them to contact a Park Ranger.

Q. Can I use a City park for a private party or gathering?
A. The City of Harrisburg’s park system encompasses 450 acres at 27 existing recreational sites and one new proposed playground with the Capital Area Greenbelt snaking through an additional 1,200 acres of City and suburban green space. In addition to a wide variety of festivals and recreational activities produced and managed by the Department of Parks & Recreation throughout the park system, the Department also issues Park Permits for private use of City Parks for gatherings and sporting events. City Parks are the only City locations managed by the Department of Parks and Recreation, 717-255-3020. Permits to hold events elsewhere in the City must be obtained from the Bureau of Police, 717-255-3010.

Q. How can I have a banner hung over N. Front Street at Forester Street?
A. The Department of Parks and Recreation maintains a banner placement location on N. Front Street at Forster Street. Banners for City sponsored events are displayed at this location throughout the year. The Department issues permits for the placement of banners for private events during the periods that City banners are not in place. This is the only location that is maintained by the Department of Parks and Recreation. Information on placing banners and signs elsewhere in the City must be obtained from the Department of Building and Housing Development.

Q. How do I have a tree planted, trimmed or removed?
A. The Department of Parks and Recreation is manages more than 50,000 shade trees throughout the City of Harrisburg. Trimming of trees between sidewalks and street curbs is a free service. Planting or removal of trees along City streets is at the expense of the property owner through a permitting process.

Click here for more information on planting, trimming and removal of trees
(Then click on Shade Trees on left navigation)

Q. Are there activities on City Island?
A. There are many family activities offered to the public on City Island. Harrisburg Senators baseball games, swimming, river excursions on the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat, canoe rentals from Susquehanna Outfitters, miniature golf, and children’s train rides are only a few of the great activities offered for free and for a fee during the Spring, Summer and Autumn months. During the winter holiday season City Island is aglow with festive illuminated displays on view free to the public. City Island is also the home of the Harrisburg Carriage Company, offering horse drawn carriage rides year-round for a fee.

Q. Are youth activities conducted in City parks?
A. The Department of Parks and Recreation offers a wide variety of recreational programs to the public. Summer youth activities, swimming, golf, tennis, baseball, basketball, soccer, fitness and field trips are only a few of the activities offered to City residents and non-residents for free and for modest fees.

Q. Are there ever concerts or festivals in City parks?
A. The Department of Parks and Recreation produces dozens of entertainment and cultural events throughout the year. These City special events are produced in the City Park System as well as other City locations. Exciting festivals, concerts, parades and celebrations are offered free to residents, non-residents and visitors thanks to corporate sponsorships, contributions and grants. Call 717-255-3020 for information on Corporate Sponsorships and Contributions.

Q. Am I allowed to walk my dog in City parks?
A. The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages residents, non-residents and visitors to utilize City Parks for walks and runs with our four-footed friends. The City has a leash-law for the protection of both the public and animals. Consequently, at no time should any pet be allowed to run-free off a lead anywhere in the City. The Department asks that all pet owners clean-up after their pets to insure clean, safe parks for everyone to enjoy.

Q. Is there any outdoor fitness equipment in Harrisburg?
A. The Department of Parks and Recreation maintains two outdoor fitness areas that are available for free public use. One is located on the northern end of City Island in the Skyline Sports Complex next to the volleyball courts. The other, a Swedish-style Fitness Trail or "Par Course", is located in Riverfront Park between Maclay and Schuykill Streets.

modified: Thursday, February 18, 2010-5:41 PM