By Pam Shellenberger, AICP, York County Planning Commission

Congratulations to the 2025 Great Places in Pennsylvania winners! Great Places are unique, memorable places that display a wealth of best practices in community planning, serve as a community focal point, and strengthen the local economy. They also demonstrate the rewarding results that occur through planning, partnerships, and community engagement.

For 2025, the categories were Great Greenways/Trails or Preserves, Great Public Spaces, and Great Transformations. Five Great Places were designated; four in the Public Spaces category and one in the Greenways/Trails or Preserves category. There are now 64 designated “Great Places in PA,” located in 35 of the Commonwealth’s 67 counties. Additionally, designated Great Places can be found in each of the Chapter’s six sections. More information online.