Merle Phillips Riverfront Park - Sunbury, PA
Merle Phillips Riverfront Park – A Dog-Friendly Gem in Sunbury, PA
Located at the confluence of the Susquehanna River and its West Branch, Merle Phillips Riverfront Park offers dog owners in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, a beautifully maintained waterfront retreat. This pet-friendly park is well-loved for its scenic river views, expansive green spaces, and shaded walking trails, making it perfect for a stroll, pet-friendly hiking, or simply enjoying nature with your furry companion. Visitors frequently mention how clean and accessible the park is, with plenty of places to sit, picnic, and relax by the water.
The park is especially attractive for families and dog owners thanks to abundant shade, plentiful seating options, and easy walking or biking paths. While not a dedicated fenced dog park, it welcomes leashed dogs and provides a safe, open environment to explore. Ample parking, nearby restrooms, playgrounds for children, and frequent community events such as concerts and festivals add to its appeal. If you’re looking for a relaxing spot for your next outing, Merle Phillips Riverfront Park stands out as a top dog-friendly park in Sunbury, PA.
Frequently Asked Questions about Merle Phillips Riverfront Park
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs must remain on a leash, as there is no designated off-leash or fenced area for dogs.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, there are many trees providing shaded areas, along with picnic shelters and gazebos throughout the park.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, the park features many benches, picnic tables, and porch-style swings along the walking paths and riverfront areas.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, restrooms are available for public use at the park.
- Where is the best place to park? The park offers lots of parking, with easy access from nearby streets and areas suited for RVs or larger vehicles.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, reviews consistently praise the park’s cleanliness and maintenance.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park features walking and biking paths along the river, suitable for pets and owners.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, there are multiple playground areas, picnic facilities, and seasonal community events for families.
Reviews
Came up for river fest. So nice to see everyone out. The ampitheater is really neat. Had a blast with friends here at Riverfest this past weekend.
Came up for river fest. So nice to see everyone out. The ampitheater is really neat. Had a blast with friends here at Riverfest this past weekend.
They work hard to maintain the scape, and the waterfront is gorgeous. I live for when they have the docks down. Very accessible, even has water access for those out on walks.
They work hard to maintain the scape, and the waterfront is gorgeous. I live for when they have the docks down. Very accessible, even has water access for those out on walks.
We went to a small local event. This park is very shady, which is great for dogs and humans. The shade makes it very good for events. This event had Food trucks, craft vendors, and alcohol vendors. The river part of the park in the evening had a rock band concert, and then fireworks.
We went to a small local event. This park is very shady, which is great for dogs and humans. The shade makes it very good for events. This event had Food trucks, craft vendors, and alcohol vendors. The river part of the park in the evening had a rock band concert, and then fireworks.
Fairly clean, not much to do but look at the water.
Fairly clean, not much to do but look at the water.
While driving through Sunbury along Front Street, drivers may feel the wall is an ugly obstruction to the view of the river. For those of us in Sunbury, it has protected us well during multiple flooding events.
Park your car though and walk over the wall by one of the several metal staircases or the roadway that extends o de It, and you will be rewarded by a beautiful river walk. The wall becomes a buffer that filters out the traffic noises on the other side. In this tranquil setting you will sea water fowl–ducks, geese, Kingfishers, and wrens. You may also see bald eagles.
It is a great path for walking or biking. Some even swim and fish. Recently we attended an event where the town showed a Disney movies e on a large blow up screen. They had an excellent sound system and free snacks provided by Weis markets. Many residents turned out and the overall atmosphere was festive and friendly.
While driving through Sunbury along Front Street, drivers may feel the wall is an ugly obstruction to the view of the river. For those of us in Sunbury, it has protected us well during multiple flooding events.
Park your car though and walk over the wall by one of the several metal staircases or the roadway that extends o de It, and you will be rewarded by a beautiful river walk. The wall becomes a buffer that filters out the traffic noises on the other side. In this tranquil setting you will sea water fowl–ducks, geese, Kingfishers, and wrens. You may also see bald eagles.
It is a great path for walking or biking. Some even swim and fish. Recently we attended an event where the town showed a Disney movies e on a large blow up screen. They had an excellent sound system and free snacks provided by Weis markets. Many residents turned out and the overall atmosphere was festive and friendly.