Lancaster County Central Park, named for its centralized location in the county, is the largest of the county’s parks, covering 544 acres. Central Park is located on the southern edge of Lancaster City in West Lampeter Township.

Facilities & Recreational Features

Of the county’s nine parks, Central Park receives the most visitors because of its convenient location and also because it has more facilities and recreational features than the other parks. Whatever your favorite outdoor activities may be, you can enjoy them in Central Park.

Pool

The county swimming pool is located in Central Park and alone receives more than 40,000 visitors each summer.

Skateboarders and in-line skaters enjoy Central Park’s Skate Park, the only one of its kind in the county. This free skate park is open year-round, weather permitting, and has features for beginner and advanced skaters.

Pavilions

Central Park has six pavilions that can be rented for private functions.

Garden of Five Senses

All of the county parks make ideal locations for weddings, but Central Park’s Garden of Five Senses is the most popular. With its beautiful array of flowering plants, trees, and a water fountain, this garden lives up to its name by stimulating all the senses.

Garden Plots

Central Park has garden rental plots, which are available from April through October. Gardeners can grow vegetables and flowers in these plots. Organic plots are also available.

Trails

Central Park has wonderful trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. These trails meander across fields, through woods, and along creeks. For more information, view the Central Park Trail Guide.
 

Camping

Although Central Park closes at sunset, campers can spend the night in the Mill Creek Camping Area. This 10-acre area is for tent camping only, but it features fresh water, portable toilets, fire rings, and grills.

Environmental Center

Naturalists from the Environmental Center offer environmental and outdoor education programs year-round to the public and to private groups. View the Seasonal Programs Tab at left for more information on available programs.

Shuts Environmental Library

A rather unusual feature for any park is Central Park's Shuts Environmental Library, a lending library with more than 3,000 books and videos about nature and the environment.

History

Central Park is rich in history. Native Americans from the Susquehannock tribe once lived in this park. In fact, a burial site is located in the park along Golf Road. It is marked with a plaque, and several artifacts from the site are on display in the Environmental Center.