Allentown Park Log 10: Union Terrace.


Union Terrace, now called Dadonna Terrace is an impressive place. A large earthen amphitheater with stone stairs and a stone stage area were built here in the 1930’s as part of the WPA.


A few weeks ago, Movies in the Parks showed Pirates of the Caribbean here. It was a great night and a wonderful example of using a park to make something really interesting and fun happen. It would be great to see more movies or concerts happen here during the summer months. I would love to organize a concert here. (If you’re reading this WDIY, let’s do it!)

The Terrace is a near continuation of Cedar Beach Parkway with Hamilton Boulevard separating the two. A little farther past the terrace is the Lehigh Parkway; DT is almost hidden between the two.

Next to the stage and amphitheater is a large, nearly stagnant pond.

When I was growing up, during the winter, people used to ice skate here when the weather was cold enough. I don’t believe that happens anymore because of warmer winters and/or safety issues. There are a few metal sculptures on each side of the pond that are reminders of the skating.

Given its location, DT is much more urbanized than its neighbor parks bit even still I was able to see an assortment of animals and wildflowers.

There were an abundance of a certain type of fish in the pond that I have yet to positively identify. It was nearly black with nearly neon blue markings and a touch of white of its tail and dorsal fin. I couldn’t grab a good picture because of the water.

I hope that as plans for revitalizing our parks move forward that somewhere in the works are plans for increasing the use of Dadonna Terrace. Like I wrote in this post, DT is one of the criminally underused venues here in Allentown and it might be the most unique if not the most beautiful.

  1. Andrew Kleiner and the Allentown Parks | Remember

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