touring Huntington

Ritter Park 

While being one of the busiest places in Huntington, it is also one of the most peaceful and serene locations in the city. The park provides many recreational opportunities as well as year round events and activities for everyone's enjoyment. Some of these opportunities include the playground near the picnic shelter, the Tennis Center and tennis courts, the outdoor amphitheater, Rose Garden and Room with a View and the walking-jogging paths throughout the lower end of the park. Lets not forget the open spaces for playing ball and frisbee; or just sitting on one of the many benches throughout the park or in the new Switzer-Wallace Plaza watching the fountain and relaxing.

The playground in the park has been rated sixth best nationally by "Child Magazine." The structures in the playground provide many sensory experiences for your child(ren). Children love climbing, sliding, swinging and digging around in our playground. Close by the playground you will find a large picnic shelter with everything you will need already handy-grills, electrical outlet and restrooms.

The tennis courts and the Ritter Park Tennis Center are located along 1571 Ritter Park Drive. There are eleven tennis courts divided along both sides of the drive. "Swing" by for a match or two; you may decide to join one of the leagues or sign up for lessons. During the summer 7-18 year olds may sign up for the Ritter Park Tennis Camp. Indoor tennis is available for the fall and winter months.

The amphitheater, located near Gobblers Knob and Gazebo, will accommodate approximately 1500 people for productions, events and shows. The Huntington Outdoor Theater group, Huntington Drama Camp, Summer Programs and various concerts are just a few examples of those using the amphitheater. Many picnics and reunions are held at the theater and some couples have had their weddings there also.

The Rose Garden and Room with a View are located off of Eighth Street. The national test Rose Garden is a dream setting for many weddings. The Room with a View provides shelter and shade while you take in the view and enjoy the perfumed atmosphere. In addition to the weddings, the Annual Rose Show and the Summer Nature Program are presented here.

The Park is receiving a face-lift to provide a more pleasurable outing for you, your family and friends. These updates include a new parking area, roadway and more lighting. The North Boulevard System, non-motorized roadways are being repaved to give the bicyclist, skaters, strollers, walkers, wheelchairs and joggers a smoother surface to traverse.

For more information about the activities, events and programs available in any of the areas of the park, contact the Greater Huntington Park and Recreation District web site or call (304) 696-5954.

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