11th and Pike Playground

Last modified August 17, 2026

## 11th & Pike Playground, Reading PA: What to Know Before You Go

The 11th & Pike Playground anchors a large green space in northeast Reading with ball courts, open fields, a seasonal splash pad, and an on-site recreation center that runs youth programs. It’s easy to find (1401 N 11th St, Reading, PA 19604; 40.356898, -75.9146035) and large enough—just over six acres—to spread out on busy afternoons. [ PA](https://www.readingpa.gov/playground-map?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

### Quick facts (verified)

– **Location:** 1401 N 11th St, Reading, PA 19604. (https://www..com/live-map/directions/11th-and-pike-playground-n-11th-st-1401-reading?to=place.w.186188180.1861816260.174660&utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Size:** ~**6.23 acres** (listed by the City of Reading). [ PA](https://www.readingpa.gov/playground-map?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **On-site programming:** The **11th & Pike Recreation Center** operates at the park and offers after-school and summer playground programs for city youth. (https://www.readingrec.org/rec-centers.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Core amenities:** **Playground equipment, basketball court(s), and sports field**. [ For PA](https://www.goodforpa.com/park/11th-and-pike-playground/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Water play:** **Seasonal splash-pad** water features are run by the City of Reading each summer. (Dates can vary by year; see “Seasonal notes” below.) (https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/reading-playground-splash-pads-open-035900385.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

—

## Why families use this park

### Room to play, with multiple activity zones
City listings confirm space for **basketball and field sports** in addition to the playground structures. That mix keeps a wide age range engaged—shoot hoops, kick a ball on the field, then rotate to the play area. [ For PA](https://www.goodforpa.com/park/11th-and-pike-playground/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

### A working rec center on site
The **11th & Pike Recreation Center** extends the park’s usefulness beyond open play. According to the Reading Recreation Commission, it offers **daily after-school hours during the school year** and a **summer playground program**, plus evening and weekend use by leagues. If you rely on structured activities or a supervised setting, that’s a real advantage. (Program offerings can change; verify current details directly with the Commission.) (https://www.readingrec.org/rec-centers.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

### Seasonal splash-pad
Reading’s official seasonal notices include **11th & Pike** in the list of parks with splash-pad features when water play is activated for summer. This is one of the easiest ways for younger kids to cool off without entering a pool. Expect push-button operation and timed shutoff windows similar to other Reading installations—exact hours are announced seasonally. (https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/reading-playground-splash-pads-open-035900385.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

—

## Planning tips that actually help

### 1) Aim for shoulder times
Ball fields and courts mean peak congestion around organized activities. If your priority is the play structures or splash zone, **late morning or late afternoon** (outside league hours) generally yields more space. (Programming is active most weekdays, per the Rec Center’s standard schedule.) (https://www.readingrec.org/rec-centers.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

### 2) Know what’s here—and what isn’t
Public park listings specifically mention **playground**, **basketball**, and a **sports field**. If you need a skate feature, tennis, or a dog run, you’ll want to choose a different Reading park. (Third-party sites sometimes add extra claims; rely on the City and statewide park directories for the definitive amenity list.) [ For PA](https://www.goodforpa.com/park/11th-and-pike-playground/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

### 3) Bring sun and splash essentials in summer
When the splash-pad is active, pack quick-dry clothing, water shoes, and a towel. The City turns water features on for the **summer season**, typically announced around late May—with the caveat that exact **start/stop dates can change year-to-year** based on staffing and maintenance. Check the City’s updates each season. (https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/reading-playground-splash-pads-open-035900385.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

### 4) Consider nearby playground hops
If you’re making a morning of it, there are **other small playgrounds a short distance away** (e.g., **9th & Marion**; **6th & Amity**). These are listed in statewide directories and can be good backups if one spot is busy. [ For PA](https://www.goodforpa.com/park/11th-and-pike-playground/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

—

## Accessibility & inclusivity notes

– **Flat approaches and broad hard-surface areas** are typical around court and field edges here. However, **specific ADA features (ramp styles, inclusive swings, surfacing types)** aren’t enumerated in the City’s amenity list for this site. If accessibility details are critical to your visit, contact the **Reading Recreation Commission** before you go to confirm current accommodations. [ PA](https://www.readingpa.gov/playground-map?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– The park’s mix of **free outdoor play** and **low- or no-cost city programming** helps broaden access for families—especially during summer playground program hours run by the Rec Center. (Enrollment details and eligibility are managed by the Commission.) (https://www.readingrec.org/rec-centers.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

—

## Seasonal notes & potential changes to watch

– **Splash-pad operations:** Historically announced around **late May** for summer; **11th & Pike** is among the sites with water play. Always verify the **current season’s start/end dates** and any temporary closures before heading out. (https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/reading-playground-splash-pads-open-035900385.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Program schedules:** After-school and summer program windows are published by the **Reading Recreation Commission** and can change with staffing or funding. Check the Rec Center’s page or call ahead. (https://www.readingrec.org/rec-centers.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

—

## Practical details

– **Exact address for GPS:** **1401 N 11th St, Reading, PA 19604**. Entering the coordinates (**40.356898, -75.9146035**) also pins the correct block. (https://www..com/live-map/directions/11th-and-pike-playground-n-11th-st-1401-reading?to=place.w.186188180.1861816260.174660&utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Park size:** **~6.23 acres** (official City map). This helps set expectations—big enough for fields and courts, small enough to keep sightlines manageable with kids. [ PA](https://www.readingpa.gov/playground-map?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Amenities you can count on:** **Playground equipment**, **basketball**, **sports field**, with **seasonal water play** when activated by the City. [ For PA](https://www.goodforpa.com/park/11th-and-pike-playground/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

—

## What’s unique here (vs. other Reading parks)

– **Rec center + playground combo:** Not every playground sits beside an active Rec Center. That pairing creates a **hub for programs, leagues, and informal play**—useful if you want more than a quick playground stop. (https://www.readingrec.org/rec-centers.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
– **Large neighborhood footprint:** At **~6 acres**, 11th & Pike is larger than many pocket playgrounds in the city grid, which is why you see **multi-use fields and courts** alongside the play structures. [ PA](https://www.readingpa.gov/playground-map?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

—

## Data confidence & what might be outdated

Everything above is drawn from the **City of Reading** (playground map and Rec Center pages), a **statewide park directory** entry naming the specific amenities at 11th & Pike, and **seasonal press** noting which Reading parks run splash-pads. **Hours of operation and specific equipment lists can change**, and the City publishes seasonal updates—**verify the current season’s splash-pad status and any program changes** before visiting. [ PA](https://www.readingpa.gov/playground-map?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

—

### Sources
City of Reading playground map (acreage and site identification); Reading Recreation Commission pages (Rec Center operations); GoodForPA park directory (amenities); Reading Eagle seasonal notice (splash-pad activation). [ PA](https://www.readingpa.gov/playground-map?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

*Note: I’ve excluded park “hours,” vending, and extra features unless supported by official or durable sources. If you need those specifics, I’ll verify directly with the Recreation Commission and update.*

Key Highlights

Location: 1401 N 11th St, Reading, PA 19604.
Size: ~6.23 acres (listed by the City of Reading). Reading PA
On-site programming: The 11th & Pike Recreation Center operates at the park and offers after-school and summer playground programs for city youth. readingrec.org
Core amenities: Playground equipment, basketball court(s), and sports field. Good For PA
Water play: Seasonal splash-pad water features are run by the City of Reading each summer. (Dates can vary by year; see “Seasonal notes” below.) Yahoo

Location

Places to Stay Near 11th and Pike Playground"Clean, cheerful, lots to do, including water elements!"

Find and Book a Tour

Explore More Travel Guides

11th & Pike Playground, Reading PA: What to Know Before You Go

The 11th & Pike Playground anchors a large green space in northeast Reading with ball courts, open fields, a seasonal splash pad, and an on-site recreation center that runs youth programs. It’s easy to find (1401 N 11th St, Reading, PA 19604; 40.356898, -75.9146035) and large enough—just over six acres—to spread out on busy afternoons. Reading PA

Quick facts (verified)

• Location: 1401 N 11th St, Reading, PA 19604.
• Size: ~6.23 acres (listed by the City of Reading). Reading PA
• On-site programming: The 11th & Pike Recreation Center operates at the park and offers after-school and summer playground programs for city youth. readingrec.org
• Core amenities: Playground equipment, basketball court(s), and sports field. Good For PA
• Water play: Seasonal splash-pad water features are run by the City of Reading each summer. (Dates can vary by year; see “Seasonal notes” below.) Yahoo

Why families use this park

Room to play, with multiple activity zones

City listings confirm space for basketball and field sports in addition to the playground structures. That mix keeps a wide age range engaged—shoot hoops, kick a ball on the field, then rotate to the play area. Good For PA

A working rec center on site

The 11th & Pike Recreation Center extends the park’s usefulness beyond open play. According to the Reading Recreation Commission, it offers daily after-school hours during the school year and a summer playground program, plus evening and weekend use by leagues. If you rely on structured activities or a supervised setting, that’s a real advantage. (Program offerings can change; verify current details directly with the Commission.) readingrec.org

Seasonal splash-pad

Reading’s official seasonal notices include 11th & Pike in the list of parks with splash-pad features when water play is activated for summer. This is one of the easiest ways for younger kids to cool off without entering a pool. Expect push-button operation and timed shutoff windows similar to other Reading installations—exact hours are announced seasonally. Yahoo

Planning tips that actually help

1) Aim for shoulder times

Ball fields and courts mean peak congestion around organized activities. If your priority is the play structures or splash zone, late morning or late afternoon (outside league hours) generally yields more space. (Programming is active most weekdays, per the Rec Center’s standard schedule.) readingrec.org

2) Know what’s here—and what isn’t

Public park listings specifically mention playground, basketball, and a sports field. If you need a skate feature, tennis, or a dog run, you’ll want to choose a different Reading park. (Third-party sites sometimes add extra claims; rely on the City and statewide park directories for the definitive amenity list.) Good For PA

3) Bring sun and splash essentials in summer

When the splash-pad is active, pack quick-dry clothing, water shoes, and a towel. The City turns water features on for the summer season, typically announced around late May—with the caveat that exact start/stop dates can change year-to-year based on staffing and maintenance. Check the City’s updates each season. Yahoo

4) Consider nearby playground hops

If you’re making a morning of it, there are other small playgrounds a short distance away (e.g., 9th & Marion; 6th & Amity). These are listed in statewide directories and can be good backups if one spot is busy. Good For PA

Accessibility & inclusivity notes

• Flat approaches and broad hard-surface areas are typical around court and field edges here. However, specific ADA features (ramp styles, inclusive swings, surfacing types) aren’t enumerated in the City’s amenity list for this site. If accessibility details are critical to your visit, contact the Reading Recreation Commission before you go to confirm current accommodations. Reading PA
• The park’s mix of free outdoor play and low- or no-cost city programming helps broaden access for families—especially during summer playground program hours run by the Rec Center. (Enrollment details and eligibility are managed by the Commission.) readingrec.org

Seasonal notes & potential changes to watch

• Splash-pad operations: Historically announced around late May for summer; 11th & Pike is among the sites with water play. Always verify the current season’s start/end dates and any temporary closures before heading out. Yahoo
• Program schedules: After-school and summer program windows are published by the Reading Recreation Commission and can change with staffing or funding. Check the Rec Center’s page or call ahead. readingrec.org

Practical details

• Exact address for GPS: 1401 N 11th St, Reading, PA 19604. Entering the coordinates (40.356898, -75.9146035) also pins the correct block.
• Park size: ~6.23 acres (official City map). This helps set expectations—big enough for fields and courts, small enough to keep sightlines manageable with kids. Reading PA
• Amenities you can count on: Playground equipment, basketball, sports field, with seasonal water play when activated by the City. Good For PA

What’s unique here (vs. other Reading parks)

• Rec center + playground combo: Not every playground sits beside an active Rec Center. That pairing creates a hub for programs, leagues, and informal play—useful if you want more than a quick playground stop. readingrec.org
• Large neighborhood footprint: At ~6 acres, 11th & Pike is larger than many pocket playgrounds in the city grid, which is why you see multi-use fields and courts alongside the play structures. Reading PA

Data confidence & what might be outdated

Everything above is drawn from the City of Reading (playground map and Rec Center pages), a statewide park directory entry naming the specific amenities at 11th & Pike, and seasonal press noting which Reading parks run splash-pads. Hours of operation and specific equipment lists can change, and the City publishes seasonal updates—verify the current season’s splash-pad status and any program changes before visiting. Reading PA

Sources

City of Reading playground map (acreage and site identification); Reading Recreation Commission pages (Rec Center operations); GoodForPA park directory (amenities); Reading Eagle seasonal notice (splash-pad activation). Reading PA

Note: I’ve excluded park “hours,” vending, and extra features unless supported by official or durable sources. If you need those specifics, I’ll verify directly with the Recreation Commission and update.