James Sharp Landing
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
James Sharp Landing is described as a peaceful public park and watercraft launch point, ideal for families seeking a low-key outdoor experience, picnics, fishing, and nature observation. While it offers easy access for launching watercraft (including kayaks), the reviews do not mention any specific 'Kayaking for Kids' programs, rentals, or dedicated services. Parents should expect to provide their own equipment and supervision for water activities.
Key Highlights
- ✓Peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, great for quiet family outings.
- ✓Easy access for launching watercraft, including kayaks.
- ✓Good fishing opportunities, with a fishing pier and reports of large carp and catfish.
- ✓Picnic amenities available, including a gazebo with tables and benches, and BBQ grills.
- ✓Opportunities for nature observation, such as watching baby geese and boats/kayaks float by.
- ✓Ample parking, described as 'large' and 'plenty of parking'.
Standout Features
- ⭐Easy watercraft launch access for family kayaking (if bringing own gear).
- ⭐Large and plentiful parking area, making arrival stress-free.
- ⭐Dedicated fishing pier for children interested in angling.
- ⭐Picnic amenities including a gazebo with table/benches and BBQ grills for family meals.
- ⭐Opportunity for quiet nature observation.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →**Bring your own kayaks/watercraft:** Reviews do not indicate any on-site rentals or services for kids' kayaking.
- →**Pack a picnic and fishing gear:** The venue is well-suited for these activities with available tables and grills.
- →**Be prepared for portable toilets:** Bring hand sanitizer and manage expectations regarding restroom facilities.
- →**Bring a blanket or mat:** If concerned about potentially unkempt picnic areas, a personal blanket would be useful for seating.
- →**Visit during sunrise or sunset:** Reviewers highlight these times for a particularly relaxing and scenic experience.
- →**Manage expectations for cleanliness:** While generally positive, some reviews note issues with trash and upkeep.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Reports of trash on the ground and unkempt picnic areas indicate a need for better maintenance and cleanliness.
- ⚠Only portable toilets are mentioned, with uncertainty about their permanent availability, which might be a concern for families.
- ⚠Lack of 'TLC' (tender loving care) in terms of aesthetics like flowers, paint, or artwork, making the area less vibrant.
- ⚠No mention in reviews of any specific 'Kayaking for Kids' programs, equipment rentals, or supervised activities; parents would need to bring their own kayaks and gear.
Price & Value
Based on reviews, James Sharp Landing appears to be a free public park or landing, offering good value for families looking for low-cost outdoor recreation with their own equipment. No pricing information for any services or entry was mentioned.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Easy access for launching watercraft is noted, which implies some level of physical access to the water's edge.
- •A large parking area makes the site easily reachable by car.
- •No specific accommodations for special needs (e.g., wheelchair ramps, sensory-friendly hours) were mentioned in the reviews.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Outside food is encouraged and facilitated by the presence of picnic tables, a gazebo, and BBQ grills, making it ideal for family picnics and cookouts.
🚗Parking Info
- •Free parking is available and described as 'large' and 'plenty of parking', suggesting easy and ample space for visitors.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Generally quiet and peaceful, with reviewers noting 'a handful of people fishing' and 'some people sitting on benches', suggesting it is rarely very crowded.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features for children (e.g., lifeguards, monitored play areas, first aid station) are mentioned, consistent with a public park/landing setting. Parents should assume full responsibility for their children's safety, especially near water.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Families looking for structured 'Kayaking for Kids' programs, lessons, or equipment rentals.
- • Families expecting a highly maintained, pristine park environment with permanent, clean restrooms.
- • Families with very young, active children who require playgrounds or organized, energetic activities.
- • Parents expecting staff supervision or dedicated children's safety features for water activities (as it appears to be a public landing).
What People Say
What's Great
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 3 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 4 reviews)
Recent Reviews
S and C Williams
2 years agoIt is so nice and peaceful here. For our 13 year anniversary, my husband and I packed a little picnic and a our chess board and walked down to the landing. They have a little gazebo with a table and benches that we sat at. It was literally one of the best anniversaries we've ever had.
Champagne Supernova13
6 years agoThis is a great park with easy access for launching watercraft. Large parking area too. Nice fishing pier. BBQ grills and tables. There were 2 portable toilets, but not sure if they are to be there permanently. I gave it a 4-star rating only because it could use a little TLC....trash on the ground and unkempt picnic area. With a little color to brighten it up...some flowers, paint and maybe some artwork from locals, this place would rock. I would gladly volunteer my time and some materials... if anybody feels the same and knows who to contact for permission, post something here in the reviews.
Jesse Leubner
2 years agoCute little park. Great for sitting and enjoying the baby geese on the river. Plenty of parking.
James Tibbits
7 months agoIt's a nice little relaxing place to sit and watch the sunrise or sunset. Usually a handful of people fishing and some people sitting on benches. Great for a nice break and to watch boats and kayaks float by.
Medusa Phillips
3 weeks agoLove it here I’ll be back big carp and catfish here
Contact Information
1301 Main St, Pittsburgh, PA 15215, USA
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