Parks and River

River Common

The River Common Park is the 16th oldest park in America and is also considered to be one of the few revitalized riverfronts on the Eastern Seaboard. It spans a half mile along the banks of the Susquehanna River and features a 750-person seated amphitheater, a 10,000 person grand landing, a 300-foot fishing pier and a quarter mile of paved walkways, gardens, and ornamental trees.

Kirby

Kirby Park is one of the region’s most valued recreational resources. Given to the City of Wilkes-Barre by the Kirby Family, the park welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The park is the setting for the City of Wilkes-Barre’s annual Cherrry Blossom Festival, held during the last weekend of April, the city’s Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration and countless other community events.

Nesbitt

Nesbitt Park is more than 20 acres of undeveloped space. The park has on-site parking, a paved boat launch and soft paddler’s launch.

Kirby Park Natural Area

The Kirby Park Natural Area consists of 65 acres of floodplain, riparian forest that grew up along the Susquehanna River.  Following the devastating flood of 1936, the US Army Corps of Engineers built a 15-mile-long levee system along the Susquehanna River. This levee system divided Kirby Park in two, allowing nature to reclaim the floodplain side. Meadows gave way to a forest of tall canopy trees through a process called ecological succession. Over the past 60 years, periodic flooding has shaped the soils and plant and animal communities of this area. With each flood, (sometimes an annual spring event), new soils and leaf litter are deposited, creating a rich growing medium for species adapted to this unique environment.

As you walk along the Olmsted Trail through the Kirby Natural Area you will experience a variety of habitats in this dynamic ecosystem that are constantly affected by the flowing river.

Public Square

Located in the heart of downtown Wilkes-Barre, Public Square is home to the Farmer’s Market, Fine Arts Fiesta, and Collegetown’s Party on the Square.

Susquehanna River

The Susquehanna River is a river located in the northeastern United States. At 464 miles (747 km) long, it is the longest river in the continental United States without commercial boat traffic.

New Date for Riverfest 2023 Announced

Riverfest 2023 is now August 12th and 13th! Join us for a day of food, entertainment, and activities in Nesbitt Park at Riverfest! Live Music, Children’s Scavenger Hunt,...

Volunteers Needed for Riverfest 2023 – August 12 and 13!

Volunteers Needed! Volunteer with us on August 12th and/or 13th at Riverfest! Help is needed with set up, parking, and more. All volunteers will receive a free T-shirt....

RIVERFEST POSTPONED!

Due to forecasted storms this weekend (all three days), including lightning, heavy rain, and wind, in the interest of public safety, the Riverfront Parks Committee is cancelling RiverFest....