McDade Park, created in the 1970s from reclaimed coal mining terrain, is now Lackawanna County’s premier destination park with the addition in 2009 of the Boundless Playground. The playground is a large inclusive play structure that serves children of all abilities and needs.

The centerpiece of the Boundless Playground is an apparatus full of swings, slides, places to twirl, games to explore and areas to climb. The main structure is surrounded by an outer path that includes a butterfly garden, wind chime area, sand and water tables, and an old-fashioned bench swing. Autistic children have two “quiet” areas designed with them in mind. Slides and swings are accessible to children in wheelchairs. The playground is surrounded by a special rubber safety surface to cushion falls.

The Boundless Playground is only one of the many amenities available to families at the 180-acre McDade Park.

Other features include:

• An Olympic-sized swimming pool with bath house
• Children’s fishing pond stocked several times a year
• Basketball and Tennis courts
• Softball field
• Two pavilions
• Outdoor picnic areas with charcoal grills
• Almost 2-mile cross country running course and hiking trail system
• Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour Complex with concession stand and gift shop
• Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum and gift shop
• Cancer Memorial Garden and arboretum
• Bocce courts
• Multipurpose field for soccer and lacrosse
• Free sports equipment rentals
• Large, open fields for Frisbee in the summer and cross country skiing in the winter

Awards

McDade Park was recently named "A Great Place in Pennsylvania" and "A Great Public Space" for 2023 by the American Planning Association Pennsylvania Chapter.

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Directions:

McDade Park is easily accessible from both Interstate 81 and the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. From I81, take Exit 191B and follow the North Scranton Expressway to the Keyser Avenue Exit. Follow the signs for the Lackawanna Coal Mine and Anthracite Heritage Museum to the park entrance at Keyser Avenue and Bald Mountain Road. From the Turnpike, take the Old Forge/Taylor Exit and turn left onto Davis Street. Turn right at the light onto Keyser Avenue and follow for approximately 2 miles to the park entrance.                        

                                                                                     
Programs:

The Lackawanna County Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide range of low-cost sports clinics for children and adults throughout the year. In addition, the department offers various events including children’s fishing derbies, golf tournaments, bocce tournaments and cross country races. Check the Parks & Recreation main page for current offerings or call the Parks and Recreation Department at 570-963-6764.

Pavilion Rentals:

To reserve a pavilion, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 570-963-6764. Pavilions are rented on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Park & Recreation Fee Schedule