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Recreational Locations

James R. Eister Youth and Community Center

James R. Eister Youth and Community Center

Initially constructed in 1960, the Sunbury Youth and Community Center was renamed the James R. Eister Youth and Community Center in 2017 in honor of the long-serving Councilman and Director of Parks and Public Property. The Center includes community pool, indoor ice skating rink, and outdoor tennis courts.

Sunbury Community Pool

  • Community Pool Facebook

Contact

249 Memorial Dr
Sunbury, PA 17801


t: 570-286-1441
f: 570-286-3090 

e: parksandrec@sunburypa.org

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Lifeguard watching over swimmers

The Sunbury Community Pool has lots of exciting features and programs to beat the heat of summer! Swimming lessons and lifeguard training are offered every year.  The pool features water slides, climbing walls, and a great kiddie area. Watch for announcements of business sponsorships and other special events throughout the summer. 

Pool Information (Closed For Season)

The Pool Season will start June 3rd, 2023

Hours: Monday - Friday from 12pm to 7pm

Hours: Saturday - Sunday from 12pm to 5pm

Admission Cost: $6 (6 and up) Free (5 and under)

Admission Discount: $3 after 5pm on M-F, and after 3pm on Sat and Sun.

More information on Pool Membership Prices:

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Individual: $90

Family: $195 (up to 5 people- $35/each additional MUST RESIDE AT HOUSEHOLD!)

Senior Citizen (62 or older): $30

Low Income (must qualify): 10% of take home

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Day Cares

Cubs: $475 (1-2 Adults 5-8 Children)

Bears: $515 (3-4 Adults 9-14 Children)

Grizzlies $555 (5-8 Adults 15-22 Children)

For closing due to weather or other issues follow the Sunbury Community pool Facebook page.
  • Community Pool Facebook
For the Water Safety/Swimming Lessons registration form or the Lifeguard Training registration from click here
  • Ice Rink Facebook

Ice Skating Rink

The ice skating rink has become a very popular winter recreation spot for all of Central Pennsylvania. USA Hockey collegiate-level lighting, locker rooms, plus additional changing rooms support youth, adult, and college hockey programs. Don't know how to skate? No problem! Figure skating lessons are available. Skate rental and adaptive equipment are also available. The reception area features a beautiful stone fireplace with a roaring fire. Come in to warm up, have a bite to eat, or enjoy some hot chocolate from the concession stand.  

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When the ice comes off, the rink is used for roller derby, roller hockey, and special events.

Opening Oct. 1st, 2022

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Hours for 2022-2023 Season

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Public Skating Sessions:

Tuesday: Only for Open Hockey 7:30pm -9:00pm (16 & Up)

Wednesday 1:00pm - 3:30pm and 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Friday: 1:00pm - 3:30pm and 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Saturday: 1:00pm to 3:30pm and 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Sunday: 1:00pm to 3:30pm

All Shikellamy School District Holidays: 1:00pm - 3:30pm

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Times are subject to change and may vary due to Hockey Games Schedules & Weather.

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Please note that these are tentative hours for the 2022-2023 season

Sunbury Ice Rink before it opens
Park and Rec employee on a Zamboni to clean and smooth the ice

Admission Prices

Adults: $7.00

Students: $5.00

Under 5 years old Free

Skate Rentals: $3.00

Group Rate (20+) $5.00 per person: Includes Admission & Skate Rental. Must pay all together.

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Rink Passes

Family (5) - $225.00

Single - $95.00

Private Ice Rental - $275.00 per hour

Birthday Parties/Private Rental Packages: Call or Email Ice Rink for Pricing.

Phone: 570-286-1441

Email: parksandrec@sunburypa.org

For more information on rink rules, admission prices/season passes, private use, ice time availability, call the rink staff at (570) 286-1441.

Sunbury Wetland Ecological and Educational Park (S.W.E.E.P)

S.W.E.E.P
  • SWEEP Facebook

Located Between North 6th and 8th Streets and Race and Line Streets in Sunbury, Pennsylvania on 4.45 acres.

Educational Yard Sign for SWEEP projcect

About S.W.E.E.P.

S.W.E.E.P. is a great opportunity to provide a safe outdoor area for the community. This project is a long term goal due to the magnitude and overall cost and will take much community involvement to occur. 

Project Proposal

There will be numerous educational signs highlighting important features throughout. Some of the features will include vegetation, environmental resources, and Sunbury and railroad history. The park will provide off street parking, benches, platforms for community engagement and trails to actively explore the habitat within.

S.W.E.E.P. Will Benefit the City's Success By:

• Providing a safe outdoor area and a location to social distance while exploring the outdoors.

• Health, wellness  and education of the community

• Removal of blight and crime

• Revitalization

• Recreation

• Protection of a designated Palustrine Wetland

Follow the Facebook page for up to date information.

  • SWEEP Facebook

More Links

aerial view of the Start of the SWEEP project
Engineer Layout of SWEEP project

David L. Persing Recreational Complex

Persing Complex

Baseball and Softball Fields

Named for former Mayor and strong advocate for youth baseball and softball.

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The complex consists of the John O. Long Field, Donald E. Miller Field, David L. Persing Field, and the Merle Phillips Field. The fields are located at the north end of town between North 4th Street and Memorial Drive near the Sunbury YMCA. The Recreation Board coordinates schedules for games, tournaments and events.

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These fields are home to:

Sunbury ASA Girls Fastpitch Softball

Shikellamy High School Softball

Shikellamy Junior High Softball

Sunbury Youth Baseball

Sunbury Skate Park

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The skate park is located adjacent to the ballfield complex near the end of North 4th Street. Professionally designed, this park provides exciting rides for extreme sport enthusiasts of all ages and abilities!

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Rule No. 1 - HELMETS are required. The Sunbury Police are authorized to confiscate boards, bikes, and skates of anyone caught not wearing a helmet for up to 30 days.

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Person using ramp at skate park
Multiple ramps of the Skate Park
Parks

Parks

The City of Sunbury is fortunate to have beautiful parks filled with shade trees, shrubs, and flowers for everyone to enjoy.

Our parks are maintained by the Department of Parks and Recreation and volunteers. Please enjoy them respectfully and keep them clean. Pets on leashes are welcome under the control of a responsible person. Please pick up after your pets. Bags for this purpose are available in the parks.

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Some parks and facilities such as the gazebos are available for private use and special events.  An application form must be completed and submitted to the City Clerk. Fees may apply. Click the button below to find our application.

Cameron Park

cameron park statue

Cameron Park occupies the city square as it was originally laid out in 1772. It features monuments, a beautiful old-fashion water fountain, benches, tables, and a gazebo. Come enjoy a lunch break, an afternoon, an evening stroll, or just sit in the shade. Don't miss Music in the Park on Tuesday evenings June through August.

People playing Music in the gazebo at Cameron Park
Cameron Park water fountain during a beautiful summer day

Merle Phillips Riverfront Park

Picture of Merle Phillips

Sunbury is proud to name this park for the late Merle H. Phillips, member of the PA State House of Representatives representing the 108th District for more than 30 years. Situated at Front and Market Streets and along the Susquehanna River, this park features a gazebo, an amphitheater, and a riverside walking trail. Watch for special events from Spring through Fall!

Picture of Gazebo at the Merle Phillips Riverfront Park
Picture of the Susquehanna River during a beautiful summer day with clouds in the sky

Keithan's Blue Bird Gardens

Wedding Photo of bride and groom under the trees

This beautiful garden was first created in the 1920's by Sunbury resident Charles Keithan as a hobby. It is now a beloved part of the community landscape featuring many varieties of trees, azaleas, and flowers. Located at the southern end of the city between 2nd and Front Streets, the gardens are a gorgeous setting for weddings or other special events. It's a hotspot for photographers capturing special memories for families, couples, and prom-goers. 

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For more information regarding weddings and other special events click here

Picture of Gazebo during full bloom of the flowers and bushes surrounding the Gazebo
Picture of Trees and flowers at full bloom during a sunny day

Playgrounds

Playgrounds

There are several playgrounds throughout the City of Sunbury for kids to have a great time outdoors, participate in games, crafts, activities, and

just have fun being a kid!

Oppenheimer Pleasure Grounds

OPG Logo

Oppenheimer Pleasure Grounds known simply as OPG is our flagship playground attracting families and kids from across the region. It features a splash pad, slides, swings, and climbing equipment. Playground staff and volunteers organize games, crafts, and other fun activities. A ballfield is also located nearby. Stay tuned to the OPG Facebook Page for Opening Hours!

At OPG we have private rentals of tables for any special occasion you may have. For more information click on the button.

Last Day for 2023 Season is Aug. 12th.

Location of OPG at the corner of N 2nd and Line Street
  • Oppenheimer Pleasure Grounds

Fort Discovery

Picture of Fort Discovery Entrance

Discover history and science! Located on North 4th Street adjacent to the YMCA, Fort Discovery was funded and built by volunteers. Kids can run, play and climb in a fort-like environment that connects to Sunbury's history with a train, boat, and a miniature replica of Fort Augusta. There are also interactive science-learning features. This playground is handicap accessible. 

Fort Discovery playground equipment

Kiwanis Playground

Kiwanis Playground Equipment

Supported by the Kiwanis Club of Sunbury, the playground is located in the Hill Neighborhood. There are lots of fun and colorful equipment to keep kids active. Pets are welcome in this fenced in area. Pets must be under the control of a responsible person at all times.

Kiwanis Playground is located on Washington Ave near line Street.

Keller Street Playground

Playground equipment of Keller Street Playground

Keller Street playground is located just down the street from the Shikellamy High School. Nestled between two houses on Keller Street, it gives you the feel of a small town playground and is open year round for your enjoyment.

Keller Street playground located near the intersection of Keller Street and Lenker Ave.

Rice Playground

Rice Playground equipment

Located on South 2nd Street, this playground features the usual play equipment as well as a large open area for playing almost any sport.  Enjoy family time here!

Located at the corner of South 2nd Street and Bainbridge Street
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