PENNSYLVANIA — A new survey of more than 3,000 Pennsylvanians has pinpointed where the state’s weekend warriors, casual athletes, and pickup-game regulars flock most — and three major cities claimed the top spots.
SportsBookReview.com surveyed 3,002 residents to identify the sportiest public parks in Pennsylvania, ranking the green spaces where soccer balls, running shoes, and frisbees see the most action. Topping the list is Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park, followed by Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park and Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park — a three-city sweep that highlights the state’s most active urban landscapes.
Riverfront Park in Harrisburg took the number-one position thanks to its mix of open lawns, walking paths, and pockets of athletic activity. Survey respondents described a park where informal recreation dominates, from casual ball tossing to family strolls along the Susquehanna River.
Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park — stretching across more than 2,000 acres — secured second place. Weekends bring joggers along the Schuylkill River, youth leagues on grassy fields, pickup games on turf, yoga groups, and families filling picnic areas. The report highlights the park’s balance of structured sports and laid-back recreation across one of the nation’s largest urban green spaces.
In Pittsburgh, Schenley Park ranked third, with its 450-plus acres of trails, wooded spaces, open lawns, and the lively Schenley Oval Sportsplex. The park’s blend of youth soccer, running groups, and casual weekend games made it a standout among respondents who praised its active community vibe.
The survey also looked beyond Pennsylvania, noting crowd-favorites such as Central Park in New York, California Oaks Sports Park in Murrieta, Publix Sports Park in Panama City Beach, Loveland Sports Park in Colorado, Indianapolis World Sports Park, and Nashville’s Centennial Park — each earning recognition for their mix of organized play and spontaneous recreation.
“Parks have always been where America’s love of sport begins,” said James Bisson, Editor-in-Chief of SportsBookReview.com. “You don’t need a stadium or a scoreboard — just open space, good weather, and a willingness to play. What our survey shows is that these local parks aren’t just recreation spots; they’re where communities connect, generations mix, and the weekend spirit truly comes alive.”
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