Join with us as we preserve, protect and enhance the Allentown Parks

It's not really possible to describe the Allentown Park system without mentioning General Harry Trexler, who can rightly be considered the Father of the system.

General Harry Trexler, father of the Allentown Park System

His legacy continues to fund the parks to this day. More than a century ago, General Trexler and Mayor Fred Lewis saw the benefit of creating park spaces in the city itself, creating West Park from a vacant lot in 1909. General Trexler, as the Chairman of the City of Allentown’s Planning Commission, was the architect of the expansive park system we enjoy today. His personal contribution, a staggering 30 ½ acres of his own picturesque property, birthed the Lehigh Parkway. And with the additional bequest of some 144 acres from his summer estate, Springwood Park, he gave us Trexler Park. His legacy continues to provide for the parks enjoyed by so many. It's a legacy of open green space that anyone in the Allentown area can enjoy.

Friends of the Lehigh Valley Parks

About Friends of the Allentown Parks:

Friends of the Allentown Parks was founded in 2008 to encourage greater appreciation and public use of Allentown’s parks and recreation system. The regional, nonprofit 501 (c)(3) volunteer organization is comprised of citizens and business leaders committed to enhancing Allentown’s park facilities, services and recreation programs for the enjoyment of everyone.

Friends of the Allentown Parks promotes the responsible use and care of our park system. We do this in several ways; we provide advice and support for park improvements, recruit volunteers, and administer volunteer projects. We also promote environmental responsibility and education, ensuring that our parks provide a haven of green space for generations to come.

Rosaria Stoops, Executive Director, Freiends of the Allentown Parks

Friends of the Allentown Parks Names New Executive Director

We're thrilled to welcome Rosaria Stoops as our new Executive Director! A lifelong local resident and avid user of our park system, Rosaria brings over 20 years of fundraising experience and a proven track record in strategic planning. Her involvement on local and national boards adds valuable perspective as she aims to re-energize Friends of Allentown Parks. Rosaria's deep community roots and extensive nonprofit expertise make her the ideal leader to take our organization to new heights. Join us in giving her a warm welcome!

You can reach Rosaria at Rstoops@allentownparks.org

Make a difference, be a Volunteer

VOLUNTEER

By lending your passion, time and expertise you help make our parks better for all to enjoy, and you might just find that it's just fun to do, and great to meet others of like mind.

MEMBERSHIP

Memberships makes possible the projects that Friends of the Allentown Parks undertakes, including educational programming, volunteer projects, and park improvements.

EVENTS

Come out and join us at one of our events to see what we're all about, have a great day, and learn more ways to see and fully enjoy our beautiful park system.