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11th and Pike Playground

11th and Pike Playground in Reading, PA, is a vibrant park featuring water spray attractions, diverse sports facilities, and inclusive play equipment. Visitors appreciate its welcoming atmosphere, community events, and fun offerings for all ages.

4.2(304)
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Plan your visit to 11th and Pike Playground

When
Recreation center: School Year (Sept 8, 2026 - May 28, 2027) daily 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Summer daily 12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Outdoor playground hours are not published by the city.
Schedule
Summer Playground Program runs June 15 to August 7, 2026, Monday to Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed July 3. The after-school program begins September 8, 2026.
Admission
Playground: no fee stated. Recreation center after-school program: no fee listed. Summer playground program: $90 per child for city residents, $115 for non-residents, includes t-shirt, lunch and snack.
Know before you go
The recreation center is for grades 1 to 6 and registration is online through the Reading Recreation Commission. The summer program at this site is capped at 60 children and registration stays open until filled. Alcohol and smoking are prohibited at all City-owned properties.

Checked on September 7, 2026 against the official site. Hours and prices change; confirm before a long drive.

What to do at 11th and Pike Playground

  • Open lawn across a full city block for ball games and picnics
  • 11th and Pike Recreation Center: gym, game room, homework room, cafeteria
  • After-school program for grades 1 to 6, school year and summer hours
  • Summer playground camp for ages 6 to 12, June 15 to August 7, 2026
  • Martin Luther King Chess Tournament and an annual Easter celebration at the center

11th and Pike Playground is a city playground in northeast Reading that fills the block between 11th, 12th, Amity and Pike streets. The City of Reading lists it at 6.23 acres, one of the larger playgrounds in the city system. It was dedicated in 1931 and was the first Reading playground lit for night play.

We come here for the open grass, the courts and the ball fields, and for the 11th and Pike Recreation Center building on the Pike Street side. The Reading Recreation Commission runs the center for children in grades 1 through 6 with a gym, game room, homework room and cafeteria. Kids get a daily meal, homework help, arts and crafts, board games and sports, plus an Art club and a Dance club.

In summer the center is one of the Recreation Commission's playground program sites for ages 6 to 12, with pool trips, crafts, athletic games and field trips on weekdays.

What people love about 11th and Pike Playground

Water Spray Park & Sprinklers

The spray features consistently draw enthusiastic praise as a fun, refreshing option on hot days.

Great park for jogging and the park has a sprinkler so the kids can get wet in the summer and stay cool👍
I even enjoyed the water spray...it was clean and a nice day..

Key Themes from Reviews of 11th and Pike Playground

Water Spray Park Features

Positive

Visitors love the sprinklers and spray features as a cooling, fun attraction, though older kids occasionally misuse them.

Usually really nice park.. has the water spray portion ....swings, basket ball and baseball, playground ..
Kids had tons of fun in the park with the water, just wish the 'big kids' wouldn't make it so aggressive with their water bottle battles when the sprinklers turn off

About 11th and Pike Playground

Welcome to 11th and Pike Playground

Nestled in the heart of Reading, PA, 11th and Pike Playground is your neighborhood destination for fresh air, active play, and community connection. As a vibrant public park, it offers families, friends, and sports enthusiasts a welcoming space to unwind, stay active, and make memories—whether you’re here for the splash of the spray park, a pick-up basketball game, or one of our popular community events.

Splash Into Fun with Water Spray Features

When the summer sun is high, the real standout attraction at 11th and Pike Playground is the water spray park. Dozens of sprinklers and spray jets transform the playground into a cool oasis, thrilling toddlers and elementary-aged kids alike. Parents rave about how these spray features turn an ordinary afternoon into a refreshing adventure: children dart through gentle arcs of water, squealing with delight, while caregivers relax on nearby benches. This water play area has become a signature draw—perfect for beating the heat on hot Reading days.

Inclusive, Upgraded Playground Equipment

Beyond the spray park, 11th and Pike Playground continually evolves to serve diverse community needs. Recent upgrades include an accessible swing with a secure harness, thoughtfully designed so children of all abilities can experience the joy of swinging freely. Classic slides, toddler swings, and colorful climbing structures complement these new additions, creating an engaging play environment for preschoolers and grade-schoolers. While the park has aged with character, the city and local volunteers regularly schedule maintenance days, ensuring equipment remains safe and inviting for everyone.

Courts, Fields, and Open-Play Spaces

For sports fans and active families, the park’s basketball courts and baseball field offer ample opportunity to shoot hoops, toss a ball, or practice your batting stance. Well-marked lines and sturdy backboards make pick-up games a breeze, while the baseball diamond and adjacent open field invite friendly matches and impromptu Frisbee sessions. After school, kids can join local programs that utilize these facilities—everything from youth baseball leagues to parent-organized basketball clinics—bringing extra structure and camaraderie to afternoons spent outdoors.

Community Events & After-School Programs

More than just a playground, 11th and Pike has earned a reputation as a community hub. The Reading Public Library frequently hosts pop-up events, sharing story time and technology demonstrations under shady trees. Seasonal celebrations—from Easter Bunny visits to summer reading kick-offs—draw families into free, educational fun. Local recreation staff coordinate after-school programs that include homework help, arts and crafts, and a warm meal before evening pickup. These offerings underscore the park’s role as a safe, supportive environment for neighborhood youth.

Clean, Friendly, and Family-Focused

Visitors consistently praise the park’s generally tidy grounds. Strategically placed trash receptacles and regular custodial patrols keep picnic tables, benches, and walkways clear of litter. While occasional clean-up efforts ramp up after busy weekends, the collective pride of families, caretakers, and community groups keeps 11th and Pike Playground looking its best. A sense of mutual respect pervades the park, where kids of different ages learn to share swings, adults connect over coffee, and neighbors say hello as they stroll the walking paths.

Planning Your Visit

To make the most of your trip to 11th and Pike Playground, come prepared for a full day of outdoor enjoyment. Pack sunscreen, water shoes or sandals for the spray park, and a snack or picnic lunch—ample shaded tables and green spaces await your spread. While the park does not currently feature on-site restroom facilities, nearby public buildings and portable restrooms during major events offer relief; be sure to plan bathroom breaks accordingly. Sports equipment can be brought from home, though many local community groups loan soccer balls or basketballs for informal drop-in play.

Why Families Love 11th and Pike Playground

  • A splash park that transforms hot summer days into joyful water-play experiences
  • A new harness swing and varied playground structures that welcome children of all abilities
  • Well-maintained basketball courts, baseball fields, and open green spaces for sports and exercise
  • Engaging after-school programs, library pop-ups, and seasonal events that foster learning and bonding
  • A clean, welcoming atmosphere where neighbors gather, kids roam freely, and memories are made

Whether you’re a lifelong Reading resident or just passing through, 11th and Pike Playground invites you to discover why it’s more than a typical park. It’s a place where laughter echoes through the spray jets, sneakers squeak on basketball courts, and community spirit shines as brightly as the Pennsylvania sun. Come join us—your playground adventure awaits!

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Unique Details About 11th and Pike Playground

Pets

  • Dogs allowed

Children

  • Playground
  • Good for kids

Amenities

  • Slides
  • Swings
  • Picnic tables
  • Basketball court

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Contact Information for 11th and Pike Playground

1401 N 11th St
Reading, PA 19604
United States of America

County: Berks County

Website: Visit Website

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Customer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars

Based on 304 reviews

Review data

5 star reviews

52%

4 star reviews

25%

3 star reviews

15%

2 star reviews

3%

1 star reviews

4%

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