By Betsy Logan, AICP

As planners, we recognize the significant role of parks in enhancing a community’s overall health. Parks and green spaces help reduce air pollution, heat islands, and stormwater runoff and offer recreational opportunities. Living near a park can increase property values, reduce crime rates, lower mental distress, and improve life satisfaction. With July being Parks and Recreation month, it’s a perfect time to delve into the world of Parks and Recreation in Pennsylvania (PA).

PA Parks & Recreation Highlights

• The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society (PRPS) launched the Good for PA website, which supports 6,250 local parks and 12,000 miles of local trails and serves as a powerful advocacy platform for local parks and recreation programs.
• In 2023, Governor Shapiro created the Office of Outdoor Recreation to grow, unite, and strengthen PA’s outdoor economy and issued the Growing Outdoor Recreation for PA report and roadmap.
• The PA outdoor recreation economy is the 8^th largest in the country, creating 164,000 jobs and adding $17 billion to PA’s economy.
• DCNR is currently working on updating the Outdoor Recreation Plan, which is required every five years.
• The 7.8 mile Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge Trail in McKean County was named the 2023 Trail of the Year by the PA Trails Advisory Committee.
• Eagle View Park in Dover Township in York County was awarded the Green and Sustainable Park Award by PRPS

  

This year’s Parks and Recreation Month theme, “Where You Belong,” celebrates the many ways park and recreation professionals across the country foster a sense of belonging in their communities. They provide welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections. In addition, on Friday, July 19^th, Pennsylvania is celebrating Park and Recreation Professionals Day. Consider honoring those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide high-quality programs, parks, and public spaces.