Planning a summer party? Why not take it outside? The Mt. Lebanon Recreation Department has a lot of cool places stashed around town.

Five pavilions, three in Mt. Lebanon Park and one each in Bird and Williamsburg parks, are perfect for picnics, grand for graduations, and OK, let’s stop with the gratuitous alliteration before it gets out of hand.

Here are some details that should help you choose which one would be best for you. Questions, contact the Recreation Department at 412-343-3409 or email skyper@mtlebanon.org.

Bird Park

Eight picnic tables, one grill, a port-a-john, a fire circle and is close to nature trails. Monday through Thursday, $35 for residents, $62 for nonresidents. Friday through Sunday, $40 and $67.

Mt. Lebanon Park

Pavilion 1 has eight picnic tables, two grills and a restroom, and is situated deepest in the park. Monday through Thursday, $35 for residents, $62 for nonresidents. Friday through Sunday, $44 and $71.

Pavilion 2 has the same number of tables and grills, restroom, and also has water and electricity. Monday through Thursday, $44 for residents, $71 for nonresidents. Friday through Sunday, $50 and $77.

Pavilion 3 is closest to the pool, has two tables, one grill and a restroom. Cost is $29 for residents, $56 for nonresidents all week.

Williamsburg Park

Six picnic tables, one grill, port-a-john, tennis court, children’s play area and a basketball court.  Monday through Thursday, $35 for residents, $62 for nonresidents. Friday through Sunday, $44 and $71.

Note: no alcohol is permitted in any Mt. Lebanon park or recreation area. Fires are permitted only in grills or at the Bird Park fire circle. If you are building a fire in the fire circle, please notify the fire department at 412-531-5366.

Pool it or Cool it

If you’re looking to make a splash (oooh, sorry) you can rent the pool on Friday, Saturday or Sunday evenings after it closes at 8. Cost is $395 for two hours, and includes lifeguards and use of the slides. Or you can buy the rec department’s Big Splash party package, Saturdays and Sundays from 12:30 to 2: $16 per guest (minimum of eight guests, maximum of 24), a $30 party room fee, pizza, soft drinks, paper products and pool admission for guests. After the party, guests can swim until closing time.

You can rent the main rink for $270 per hour ($295 nonresident), and the smaller studio rink for $135 or $145. The rink also has a number of party options. Visit the recreation department section of www.mtlebanon.org, or call 412-343-4543 to learn more.

Link up with Friends

If you’re a golfer, the Mt. Lebanon golf course can be a fun and affordable venue for an event. The course can accommodate up to 72 players. For more information, call course manager Dave Boal at 412-561-9761. Tennis? Find out about renting the courts or the tennis center’s Founder’s Room at 412-343-3411.