So, you’re a little short on time and space for you and your sweetie, and you’re looking for an ideal place in the Burg to pull over for a little schmootzin’, huh? Sometimes you may be inclined to just pull to the side of the road (and there are plenty of suburban back roads and dark city streets), but if you’re looking for something with a little more ambiance or privacy (or even a thrill), maybe one of these is for you.

First of all, let me tell you that of my informal surveys and those who had their two-cents to offer, I’ve determined that the Harrisburg Area’s public parks are used for much more than their picnic pavilions and playgrounds! People just love to go parking in the parks! Let me forewarn you up front, though, public parks can be a risky place if you’re there after park hours. But, then, half the fun of parking can be the thrill of evading patrol officers when breaking park rules! Just beware - citations can get expensive.

#1 - Negley Park, Lemoyne - Not in the city, but with a full view of the city, Negley park is number one for the hopeless romantics. With its picturesque sky-scape, overlooking the Susquehanna, City Island, and the entire capitol city, you can imagine this is your very own penthouse view. The nighttime skyline offers a twinkling ambiance in the backdrop. Unfortunately, signs have been posted in the main parking area, where you once could have pulled forward in the clearing to enjoy a drive-in type view. Not to worry, though, if you enter the park from the top entrance, there is more privacy (only room for 2-3 cars) and that same bird’s-eye view. Negley Park closes at 10, but, there is parking allowed along the guard rail above the park until 11 pm. Of course, this puts you right along the road, in headlight scope, and the great view is out the side window, rather than the windshield. But who was really looking, anyway?

#2 - Italian Lake, Division Street, Harrisburg - Part of the city’s list of parks, Italian Lake is its own little paradise with fountains, ducks and an adorable little bridge in the center. The best view of the lake is from the lower side. However, this is also the residential side where park rangers often cruise through after dark. From the upper side of the lake, which is technically Third Street, which runs between William Penn High School and the park, the lake is not so visible through the trees. If you don’t mind a few passing cars, it’s cool. And, for a nice romantic warm-up, a leisurely, hand-holding stroll along the cobblestone walk around the lake below can set the mood quite well. Just don’t wear yourself out walking back up that steep incline to where you parked the car!

#3 - Reservior Park, Walnut Street, Harrisburg - Overlooking the city from the opposite side as Negley Park, Reservoir Park is HUGE! Stretches of grassy hillsides, sections of thick trees, and an upper level parking area by the soccer field (a great place to pull over) give you plenty of choices. As a matter of fact, the road through the park offers a great scenic preview drive. If you choose daylight hours, there’s plenty of privacy and room to distance yourself from other park visitors. At night, most areas of the park stay rather dark, making a perfect excuse to hold on tight.

#4 - Walnut Street Parking Garage, Downtown Harrisburg - It’s hard to choose among the downtown parking garages, but Walnut Street Garage is popular, with easy access in the downtown traffic. This is great for a daytime getaway during a lunchtime interlude, which allows an atmosphere of darkness on the brightest sunny day. There may be some traffic, but, what the heck - it’s dark in there! Besides, there’s always the option to drive through the garage looking for a more perfect spot. Perhaps the thrill of top-floor parking?

#5 - Lawnton Park, Harrisburg - This is a great park located behind the 7-11 on Derry Street. We also didn’t see any park hours posted! This place is absolutely magnificent for all you die-hard nature lovers. Not a drive-thru park, it’s best to take a blanket, park in the marked spaces, and cut across the park to spread out under the stars. Directly across from the parking area, behind the ball diamond, and across the track is a small bank. At the top of that bank lies a spacious grassy plateau which is hardly visible from the front of the park in the angle of the park lighting. Even in the daytime, this is an out-of-the way section of the park. For added privacy, this plateau stretches down behind a row of bushes in the front, lined on the side and back by trees, and behind the back trees lies only a railroad track. Nighttime visitors are rare in this park, and the residential homes should be out of earshot. Nonetheless, if you’re inclined to be vocal, I suggest waiting for a passing train.

Honorable Mention - The Honorable Mention is, hands-down, part of Riverfront Park. Dock Street Dam, just beyond Shipoke, is a secluded area with the peaceful sound of rushing water. But, bear in mind that Riverfront Park closes at dusk and the city’s Park Rangers closely monitor this area. The background noise, though peaceful, can easily drown out the sound of approaching vehicles, catching you off guard and suddenly in the spotlight. Keep in mind that indecent exposure applies, even in the confines of your car, simply because you are in a public park. Also, be aware that, in the summer, these park rangers are the same ones who patrol the city’s festival activities. If you’re a festival-goer, and you’ve been busted, expect a few sly grins, whispers, and chuckles from the rangers when they see you on festival day! (Thanks to the Wanners for the use of their Corvette Convertible!)