Parks and Recreation's Frequently Asked Questions

The Parks and Recreation office is located at:
Stuart Community Center
415 Franklin Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Parks and Recreation Office is open from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.
  1. Click here to view open activities, and register online.
  2. Call (717) 243-3318 and we can assist you with registration.
  3. Stop by the Parks & Rec office at the Stuart Community Center, 415 Franklin Street in Carlisle between 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday.  We accept cash, credit or personal checks.
For a list of parks in Carlisle Borough, click here or call the Parks and Recreation Office at (717) 243-3318.
Alcohol, tobacco and vaping are NOT permitted in Carlisle Borough parks.
Park properties are open to the public daily from dawn until dusk. No person should be present in these areas between dusk and dawn without the prior approval of the Director of Parks and Recreation unless posted differently at the park location.

Pavilions are available for rent at Biddle Mission Park, Heberlig Palmer Park, LeTort Park, Valley Meadows Park and seasonally at the Carlisle Community Pool.  The amphitheater at Thornwald Park may be rented.  You may also rent the cabin at Shaffer Park for parties, youth retreats, workshops, family reunions, or meetings.

The Stuart Community Center gymnasium and multi-purpose rooms are available for rental Monday – Saturday 8am to 11pm and Sunday 12pm to 11pm.  Call (717) 243-3318 for information and rates.  

Yes, the Carlisle Parks and Recreation Department oversees the Carlisle Community Pool. The Pool is located at 1236 Franklin Street, Carlisle, PA 17013 and is open from late May to Labor Day.
During the pool season, it is open daily from 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

Visit the Carlisle Community Pool page for more information.

The Carlisle Parks and Recreation Department hires part-time positions throughout the year, mainly during the summer months.

RECRUITING NEW PROGRAM INSTRUCTORS

If you have a new program idea we’d love to hear about it. For more information click on the “Program Proposal Form” at the bottom of the page. Staff will contact you once your proposal has been received. This application is the first step in the process, and does not guarantee that your idea will be offered. Clearances are required. Thank you for your interest!
Program Proposal Form

With the exception of Memorial Park, dogs are allowed in Carlisle Borough parks. Dogs must be on a leash at all times. The pet owner is responsible for removal of all waste deposited on park property. Remember this is a play space for you and your family!

Metal detecting is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity when it is conducted in ways that do not damage the natural and cultural resources in Carlisle Borough parks.

The use of metal detection devices are permitted in Carlisle Borough parks under the following conditions:

  • The activity does not conflict with other visitors to the park or disturb lawn or turf areas, rare or fragile plant or animal habitats, or archeological or natural resource-sensitive areas.
  • All disturbed areas must be restored to their original state.
  • Any artifacts which may have historical or archeological significance are the property of the Carlisle Borough and shall be surrendered immediately to the Department of Parks and Recreation. If discovered to be of no archaeological value, items will be returned to the finder.
  • No specific permit is required at this time.