Kirby Park—A Beloved Hub of Recreation & Relaxation in Downtown Wilkes-Barre
For over 100 years, Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre has been served as one of NEPA’s central gathering places for recreation, relaxation and community events. The 52-acre green space, designed by the famed Olmstead Brothers – who also designed Central Park in New York City – sits on the west bank of the Susquehanna River directly across from Downtown Wilkes-Barre.
Since it’s groundbreaking in 1924, Kirby Park has welcomed visitors from all over the region and beyond. With its rolling meadow design dotted with stands of mighty trees, a small pond and walking trails, the peaceful park has always been a welcomed respite from the busy lives of locals.
Today, Kirby Park boasts updated amenities like ample parking, pavilions and paved, lighted walkways. Recreational sports are one of the park’s main draws with multiple tennis courts, volleyball courts, sports fields and more. It’s also home to some of the region’s most popular community events and festivals.
Check out our highlights of things to see and do during your visit to Kirby Park.
This popular, paved trail runs directly through Kirby Park along the Susquehanna River. The Luzerne County Levee Trail is easily accessible from the park for walking, jogging, cycling and in the winter, it becomes one of NEPA’s most popular sledding destinations.
Recreational sports are a popular activity at Kirby Park. Visitors enjoy tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, volleyball courts and a running track. The park also includes a small fishing pond, the Olmstead Trail, Luzerne County Levee Trail and exercise stations.
One of the busiest attractions at Kirby Park is the state-of-the-art, inclusive playground. It features all of the standard playground favorites like swings, slides and more. The playground also includes 11 specially-designed, accessible attractions for children of all abilities.
This 3.5-mile trail traces a densely-forested path along the Susquehanna River in Wilkes-Barre and Kingston. The trail begins at Nesbitt Park in Kingston and runs underneath the Market St. Bridge into Kirby Park where it eventually meets up with the Luzerne County Levee Trail.
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Kirby Park is also a popular spot for walking and socializing your furry best friends. The park features a convenient and wide paved walking path that meanders through the park and connects directly to the Luzerne County Levee Trail.
Every winter, the steep hills of the Luzerne County Levee System at Kirby Park transform into one of the region’s most-favorite sledding hills. Stop by the park on any snowy day and you’ll find hundreds of local families enjoying the cherished pastime.
All year long, Kirby Park hosts seasonal, family-friendly events and festivals. From the annual spring festivals to the Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration to a Home Run Derby and plenty of community events, the park always draws big local crowds.
For nearly 60 years, Kirby Park has been home to one of NEPA’s most-beloved springtime events. The Annual Cherry Blossom Festival, held in late April, brings together live entertainment, food, carnival rides and games and people from all over the region.
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Since 1975, the Wyoming Valley Striders have hosted the Cherry Blossom 5 Mile Run at Kirby Park. The race utilizes the Luzerne County Levee Trail and paths within the park. It takes place on the morning of the opening day of the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
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Every Independence Day, Kirby Park hosts one of NEPA’s largest 4th of July celebrations. Billed as Wilkes-Barre’s Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration, the event features live music all day, food vendors, the area’s largest fireworks display accompanied by the NEPA Philharmonic.
Year-Round Fun at Kirby Park
Kirby Park is a popular family-friendly destination any time of the year. From sledding down the “big hill” in winter and celebrating the cherry blossoms in the spring to amazing 4th of July fireworks and stunning autumn walks along the Levee Trail, this favorite community park remains a hub of activity in every season.
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Things to do in Wilkes-Barre
Wilkes-Barre enjoys a rich history of progress dating back to its founding in the mid-18th century. Today, the city remains one of NEPA’s central economic, historical and cultural hubs.
