Opened on May 29th, 1897, the former Brinton Park reopened as Cascade Park by the New Castle Traction Company after their purchase from its previous owner, Col. Levi Brinton. The park evolved over time from the nature park, as it originally existed, into a modern amusement park with rides and attractions that have since almost entirely disappeared, leaving only a few surviving structures today. As the years went on and the park changed hands, it eventually was donated to the City of New Castle where it returned to its previous state, becoming a nature retreat available for the residents of the city to enjoy.
Beginning Memorial Day weekend, you can walk through the park to find six signs in place that each give a glimpse into the past, showing features of the park that have since been lost to time. They include images of the Midway, the Comet, the Dance Pavilion, the Theater, the Old Mill, the Lower Entrance.
Today this beautiful park, rich with history, can be even further preserved with the National Register of Historic Places listing that it has recently been determined eligible for. Brinton Park/Cascade Park is tied as the oldest trolley park in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This listing allows the City of New Castle access to additional funding for the use of improving and maintaining this wonderful attraction. The historical elements of the park such as the Dance Pavilion, the iron entry-way sign, the Carousel Building, and the picnic areas can be preserved and brought back to life through state funding. This funding comes without harmful restrictions, only requiring that the money not be used for the demolition of the elements of the park that define it as a Historic Place.
Supporting the park is easy, just come out! On Sunday, May 29, 2022, Pleasant Hill Historians will be present to give guided tours (self-guided are possible as well) through the park. Information can be heard about the attractions, both lost and retained, as well as the rich history the park has within the area. Celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Cascade Park with us while exploring, for the first time or as a repeat visitor, one of the area’s most beautiful and historically rich locations!
Cascade Park Tours
Pleasant Hill Historians will be offering tours of Cascade Park on Sunday, May 29, 2022 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Throughout this tour, we will be stopping at stations along the way and discussing the park’s history from it’s origins through the glacial recession, the settlement of the Native Americans, the establishment of Brinton Park (1891–1897), and the beginning of Cascade Park (1897). This will be a walking tour and will only allow for groups of around 20 people maximum.
All proceeds will go to benefit local preservation/education of Cascade Park.
Note that all sales are final. Should it rain, tours will be conducted in the rain.
Cascade Park: Western Pennsylvania’s Rural Escape
Cascade Park served as the communities’ escape due to the natural beauty that the park exudes. Beginning as Big Run Falls, Sylvan Park, and then Brinton Park. Cascade Park was one of the first trolley parks in Western Pennsylvania. This publication was submitted for the re-assessment of the park as a Historic District for PHMC.
