Welcome to Parks & Recreation

All Berks County employees and anyone entering county buildings must wear a mask or they will be denied entrance. If you have questions related to COVID-19, you may email them to COVID@countyofberks.com or visit www.doyourpartberks.com.

Antietam Lake Park / Angora Fruit Farm Master Plan Update Meeting

A Public Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 27, 2021 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Antietam Valley Recreation and Community Center in Carsonia Park, 905 Byram Street, Reading, PA 19606.

View the Antietam Lake Park / Angora Fruit Farm Pre-Final Plan and share your thoughts and ideas about the park. Consultants will present the Pre-Final park design and request comments. Your thoughts and ideas are important to help establish priorities for future park enhancements. For more information, click to view the click to view the flyer. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend.

Antietam Lake Park Deer Management Program

A controlled hunt is currently underway at Antietam Lake Park to help reduce the deer population that is currently damaging the property through over-browsing. The hunt is a joint venture between the Berks County Parks and Recreation Department and USDA Wildlife Services and will continue until January 29, 2022.

The hunters are experienced archers who were selected by the USDA in a closed application process. Hunting can take place 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. There will be no hunting on Sundays except for the Sunday hunting approved by the Pennsylvania Game Commission for November 14, 21, and 28.

Learn More: Information Sheet | Press Release

DEPARTMENTAL OPERATIONS:

County Parks and trails are open, with the following exceptions:

The Seidel Road Trailhead at Antietam Lake Park remains closed.

Picnic pavilion reservations are being accepted. See reservations page or call 610-372-8939.

The Heritage Center

Gruber Wagon Works & Heister Canal Center offers tours:

Fridays & Saturdays: 10-4 Every hour on the hour, last tour at 3pm

Sundays: 12-4 Every hour on the hour, last tour at 3pm

Visit the lower level of the barn at the Heritage Center to purchase tickets.

Cathy Wegener, CPRP - Director

For any questions regarding our Parks, please call the Park office at 610-372-8939, check this web site, or visit our Facebook page.