Coronet Park rendering. Image courtesy of Harristown Development.

A long-vacant parcel in downtown Harrisburg soon will be re-energized as a new place for gathering and events.

This month, on Earth Day, Coronet Park debuts, hosting the first of many scheduled events centered on music, pop-up vendors and other creative community activities.

Located just south of Market Square, Coronet Park is a Harristown project rooted in the same purpose of placemaking and ongoing revitalization that brought Harrisburg its popular SoMa block parties, Strawberry Square Music Series and 3rd in the Burg events.

“We hope Coronet Park becomes another hub for people to gather, socialize and enjoy the city environment in a space that feels unique and curated,” said Brad Jones, president and CEO of Harristown.

The park is named for the former Coronet restaurant, a long-time city eatery that caught fire and closed over 30 years ago. Harristown later bought the blighted building and razed it, creating an empty space that the company transformed into the centrally located, 3,300-square-foot “pocket park.”

On April 22 from 5 to 7 p.m., the park will kick off a full calendar for the spring and summer with an Earth Day plant swap. As plant lovers trade propagations, pop-ups from local businesses will be available to peruse, including Ashcombe Farm & Greenhouse, Zeroday Brewing, Agape Elixir Bar mocktails and Mediterranean eats from Traveling J’s.

“If you haven’t attended a SoMa block party before—maybe they’re too large of a crowd for you—what we’re creating at Coronet Park will be a much more intimate experience with a little something for everyone,” said Sara Bozich, who is spearheading the park’s event lineup.

The park, she added, is surrounded by walls on three sides, “creating a canvas for events unlike anything currently in the city.”

“We’re hoping to appeal to people with all different kinds of interests,” Bozich said.

From a bookish evening with bestselling author Jo Piazza to a free “Tiny Park Concert Series” spanning from the second Friday in May through September, here’s a taste of what is upcoming at Coronet Park:

• May 2: Books & Brews with bestselling author Jo Piazza
• May 8: Tiny Park Concert (DeRose & The Dreadnoughts)
• June 4: Dog-friendly Yappy Hour
• June 12: Tiny Park Concert (Meaghan Farrell)
• July 1: Ice Cream Social
• July 10: Tiny Park Concert (Sons of Pitches)

“Most events will take place during the afternoon or early evening with the idea that the park is just kicking off someone’s weekend plans,” Bozich said. “We envision people stopping by, maybe grabbing a bite to eat or a drink at a nearby restaurant after, and then heading onto their next thing—whether that’s a walk alongside Riverfront Park or a late-night show.”

As the once-dormant space works toward becoming a community hub that draws people in—and out to explore other local businesses—Jones is already looking forward to how it might evolve over time with input from guests. He envisions murals, string lights and other creative touches that could further amplify the park’s quaint, quirky atmosphere.

“I think Coronet Park is going to be a really special place that excites and re-energizes people to explore local,” Jones said.

Coronet Park is located at 21 S. 2nd St., Harrisburg. For the full calendar of events happening at Coronet Park, visit www.sarabozich.com.

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