Riverfront Park in Harrisburg
Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park has been named a “2020 Great Public Space.”
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association today bestowed the honor on the 4.5-mile-long linear park along the Susquehanna River.
“The city, together with private citizens and volunteer groups, has worked cooperatively over the years to maintain and sustain this vital city asset,” according to an association release.
For 2020, the two other honorees are the Arboretum at Penn State in Centre County and the Allegheny Commons Park Northeast Fountain in Pittsburgh.
Through its Great Places in PA program, the association makes selections each year in the Great Public Spaces category, choosing recipients based upon successful, long-term planning efforts and a vision for the future.
Today’s Riverfront Park originated with the “City Beautiful” movement circa-1900, intended to make industrial-era Harrisburg more livable and sanitary. It included a plan to turn a jumble of buildings, docks and industry between Front Street and the river into a long strip of green space.
The association emphasized the long-term success of that plan.
“Riverfront Park, with its spectacular views of the river and surrounding landscapes, is an attraction for residents, downtown employees and visitors and is host to a variety of events/festivals,” according to the release. “The city, together with private citizens and volunteer groups, has worked cooperatively over the years to maintain and sustain this vital city asset.”
For more information on the Great Places program, visit www.planningpa.org.
Support quality local journalism. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
