A pleasant place to walk around.
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McDade Park

4.7
·2k reviews·Scranton, United States

Spacious park on reclaimed land with an inclusive playground, mine tour, disc golf, and scenic trails.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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A pleasant place to walk around.

McDade Park

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Spacious park on reclaimed land with an inclusive playground, mine tour, disc golf, and scenic trails.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"A beautiful, well-maintained park with great amenities, though playground safety is a concern."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Playground Safety

Recent reports indicate playground disrepair. Verify current conditions before bringing children. :warning:

Pool is Closed

The swimming pool is closed for the season due to renovation issues. :noentrysign:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Boundless Playground

Boundless Playground

An inclusive play space designed for all children, offering a variety of accessible equipment and fun.

Mine Tour

Mine Tour

Explore the history of coal mining with an engaging tour down a mine shaft. Educational and unique experience.

Disc Golf Course

Disc Golf Course

Challenging and scenic disc golf course with a mix of technical and open holes amidst beautiful surroundings.

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Playground Safety Check

Recent reviews highlight significant disrepair and safety hazards at the playground, including broken equipment and exposed metal poles. Community members are urging action. Check current conditions before visiting with children.

Pool Status Update

The McDade Park swimming pool has faced renovation issues and will remain closed for the year. Legal action has been taken against the contractor. Plan for alternative water activities.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, late afternoon
Why
Enjoy the park ambiance
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

McDade Park in Scranton offers a recipe for family fun with an inclusive Boundless Playground, fishing pond, athletic courts, shaded trails and more! Come along with us as we explore the popular recreational space. ☀️ #DiscoverNEPA
discovernepa
130 likes • 8.4K views

Check Playground Safety

Recent reports indicate playground disrepair. Verify current conditions before bringing children. :warning:

Pool is Closed

The swimming pool is closed for the season due to renovation issues. :noentrysign:

🏊🏼The McDade Park Pool & Splash Pad are officially open!! 🙌🏻 Here’s what you need to know! 💰Cost: FREE!! ⏰Hours: Every day 11 am to 7 pm 📍McDade Park 1 Bald Mountain Rd Scranton, PA 18504 ⛱️ There are several picnic tables with umbrellas for shade 🧺 You can bring your own food and there is a large grassy area near the pool/splash pad that is perfect for a picnic lunch! 🚻 Bathrooms are avai...
scrantonmom
902 likes • 7.7K views
Spent the afternoon at McDade Park!
marinaorrson
10 likes • 164 views

Mine Tour Value

The mine tour is highly recommended and affordable. Worth the low entrance fee! :moneybag:

Disc Golf Paradise

Great disc golf course with varied holes and beautiful scenery. A must-play for enthusiasts! :disc:

Season’s Song #chill #nature #mcdadepark
downwithfire
192 likes • 4.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Playground Safety

Recent reports indicate playground disrepair. Verify current conditions before bringing children. :warning:

Pool is Closed

The swimming pool is closed for the season due to renovation issues. :noentrysign:

Mine Tour Value

The mine tour is highly recommended and affordable. Worth the low entrance fee! :moneybag:

Disc Golf Paradise

Great disc golf course with varied holes and beautiful scenery. A must-play for enthusiasts! :disc:

Dog-Friendly Trails

Many visitors enjoy walking their dogs on the park's well-maintained trails. :dog:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

McDade Park is a spacious and beautiful area with a lot to offer, including a mine tour and disc golf course. However, significant concerns have been raised about the safety and maintenance of the playground, and the swimming pool remains closed due to renovation issues.

"Beautiful well maintained park with a children's area, basketball, and tennis courts. There is a soccer and baseball field and areas to barbecue and picnic. Benches are spread through the park to take in the gorgeous views. Many walk their dogs here and there is a mine to tour. Highly recommend if you are in the area."

Tanya Roub

"Now this is an awesome park. We’re just visiting, but I would absolutely walk our dogs here every day!"

Jeremy Hutson

"Subject: Urgent Safety Concerns at McDade Park Playground ⚠️

I recently had the opportunity to visit McDade Park in my hometown. Although I no longer reside in the state, I have many nieces, nephews, and friends with young children who frequently visit this park. I was disheartened to see that the playground is in a state of significant disrepair.

There are several broken and hazardous elements, including large holes and sharp, protruding plastic on the slides. The playground flooring also has extensive cracks and tears, creating tripping hazards. Most concerning is a large exposed metal pole sticking out of the ground, which poses a serious safety risk.

McDade Park was one of my favorite places to visit as a child, and it’s still one of the largest and most frequented parks in the area. It has great potential, but regular maintenance and attention to safety are essential to preserve its value for the community.

I believe the park deserves to be restored to a safe and welcoming space for children and families.

I sent a message on to the lackawanna county visitors bureau and asked for further guidance on where exactly is the right place to speak up about these issues.

I’m urging fellow parents and community members to speak up and report these issues to city and state officials. If more voices come forward, we have a better chance of getting real improvements made. This park should be a safe and enjoyable space for all families in the community.

Let’s help make that happen."

LS. Business

What People Like

Beautiful well-maintained park
Engaging mine tour
Great disc golf course

What People Dislike

Playground safety hazards
Pool closure

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

McDade Park is located at 1 Bald Mountain Rd, Scranton, PA 18504. It's accessible by car, and there are often driving loops around Scranton that offer nice views if you're looking for a scenic drive. Reddit

Yes, ample parking is available throughout the park for visitors accessing different amenities like the playground, trails, and sports fields.

The park has roads that allow you to drive to various sections, offering scenic views and access to different areas. It's a pretty and quaint park to drive around. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission to McDade Park is free. However, there may be fees for specific activities like the mine tour. Instagram

The park itself is generally open during daylight hours. Specific amenities like the playground or trails have their own accessibility. The pool, when open, typically operates from 11 am to 7 pm. Instagram

Yes, there is a low entrance fee for the mine tour, which is considered well worth the cost for the experience and information provided. Reddit

Unfortunately, the McDade Park swimming pool is currently closed for the remainder of the year due to renovation issues and legal action against the contractor. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

McDade Park offers a wide range of activities including an inclusive Boundless Playground, fishing pond, athletic courts (basketball, tennis), shaded trails, picnic areas, and a mine tour. Instagram+1

Recent reviews have raised serious safety concerns regarding the playground's condition, citing broken equipment and hazards. It's advisable to check current conditions or contact park officials before visiting with young children. Reddit

Yes, McDade Park features a children's fishing pond, making it a great spot for families to enjoy a day of fishing. Instagram

Absolutely! McDade Park has shaded trails perfect for walking, hiking, and enjoying nature. Many visitors also walk their dogs here. InstagramReddit

The disc golf course at McDade Park is highly regarded, offering a great mix of technical and open holes with good distance and beautiful surroundings. It's considered a great place to play by enthusiasts. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

McDade Park has areas for barbecuing and picnicking, with benches spread throughout the park. You can bring your own food and enjoy it in the designated areas. Instagram

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy at the picnic areas and grills available in the park. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The park's natural beauty, including its trails and arboretum, offers lovely photo opportunities. The unique landscape of reclaimed coal mining terrain also provides interesting backdrops. Instagram

With its shaded trails and arboretum, McDade Park is a pleasant spot for nature photography, especially during quieter times of the day. Instagram

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👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

McDade Park offers a variety of attractions for families, including the Boundless Playground and a children's fishing pond. Instagram+1 However, it's crucial to be aware of recent safety concerns regarding the playground's condition. Reddit Parents are advised to check the current state of the playground before visiting or to consider alternative activities within the park, such as exploring the trails or enjoying a picnic. The swimming pool is currently closed. Instagram

For a more structured family outing, the mine tour provides an educational and engaging experience that can be enjoyed by older children and adults alike. Reddit The park's picnic areas and open spaces are ideal for family gatherings and outdoor play, provided the playground's condition is a concern.

🏞️ Nature Lovers & Hikers

McDade Park is a fantastic destination for those who enjoy the outdoors. The park features shaded walking and hiking trails that are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike. Instagram These trails offer a peaceful escape and are also popular for dog walking, making it a great spot for pet owners to explore with their furry companions. Reddit

The park's landscape, developed on reclaimed coal mining terrain, provides a unique natural setting. Visitors can enjoy the arboretum and the general scenic beauty of the park, with benches available to relax and take in the views. Reddit It's an ideal place for nature photography and simply enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors.

🏆 Disc Golf Enthusiasts

Disc golf players will find McDade Park to be a highly rewarding destination. The park features a well-designed disc golf course that is praised for its excellent mix of challenging technical holes and more open, distance-oriented shots. Instagram+1 The beautiful surroundings add to the overall playing experience, making it a must-visit for disc golf enthusiasts in the area. Instagram

Players can expect a course that tests various aspects of their game, from accuracy to power. The course is known for its engaging layout and is a popular spot for both casual rounds and more competitive play. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring McDade Park's Amenities

McDade Park is a sprawling 180-acre recreational area built on reclaimed coal mining terrain, offering a diverse range of activities for visitors. Families often flock to the Boundless Playground, an inclusive space designed to accommodate children of all abilities. Instagram+1 For those interested in aquatic fun, the park historically featured an Olympic-sized swimming pool, though it is currently closed for renovations. Instagram Beyond these, the park provides amenities like a children's fishing pond, athletic courts for basketball and tennis, and numerous picnic areas with grills, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enjoyment. Instagram+1

For a unique historical experience, the mine tour at McDade Park is a significant draw. Visitors can descend into a mine shaft, learning about the region's coal mining heritage through engaging presentations. This tour is highly recommended for its educational value and the unique experience it offers, all at a reasonable price. Reddit The park also boasts a well-regarded disc golf course, known for its challenging layout that blends technical shots with open fairways, all set against a backdrop of beautiful natural surroundings. Instagram+1

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the shaded trails that wind through the park, perfect for walking, hiking, or simply enjoying a peaceful stroll. Instagram These trails are also popular for dog walking, making McDade Park a welcoming spot for pet owners. Reddit The park's landscape, a testament to its past as a mining site, offers a unique visual appeal, with benches strategically placed to allow visitors to soak in the views. Reddit

Community Concerns and Park Maintenance

While McDade Park is a beloved community space with a rich history and numerous amenities, recent feedback has highlighted significant concerns regarding the maintenance and safety of its playground facilities. Several reviews and posts have pointed out broken equipment, hazardous conditions, and extensive wear and tear on the playground structures and flooring. Reddit One particularly concerning observation mentioned a large, exposed metal pole sticking out of the ground, posing a serious risk to children. Reddit

These safety issues have prompted calls for action from community members, with some urging fellow parents and residents to report these problems to city and state officials. Reddit The sentiment is that the park, which holds fond memories for many and remains a frequented spot, deserves to be restored to a safe and welcoming environment for all families. Reddit The lack of regular maintenance and attention to safety is seen as a critical issue that needs to be addressed to preserve the park's value for the community. Reddit

In addition to playground concerns, the park's swimming pool has also faced challenges. Renovation projects have led to its closure for the entire year, with legal action being taken against the responsible contractor. Instagram This situation underscores a broader need for consistent and effective upkeep of the park's infrastructure to ensure it remains a safe and enjoyable destination for everyone.

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