Harrisburg, PA – Last weekend, members from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) joined local officials and community partners at Culliton Park in Lancaster to unveil the 2025–2029 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) — Pennsylvania’s five-year blueprint for expanding and enhancing outdoor recreation across the state and celebrate the Commonwealth’s second annual Outdoors for All Day.
The new plan, Outdoor Places, Shared Spaces, outlines 14 goals and 55 action steps to meet the outdoor recreation needs of Pennsylvanians. With more than 6,400 local parks, 2.3 million acres of state forests and parks, and 1.5 million acres of state game lands, Pennsylvania offers countless opportunities to get outside, connect with nature, and build community.
Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis provided a proclamation and resolution, respectively, recognizing July 19 as Outdoors for All Day. Photos and video from the event can be found at PAcast.com.
Read below to see what people are saying about DCNR’s new statewide outdoor recreation plan:
"Access to the outdoors is not a luxury — it’s a necessity for public health, community connection, and economic vitality. The Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan provides a clear roadmap for investing in green spaces, trails, and recreation infrastructure that serve all Pennsylvanians. We fully support this plan and its vision to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background, can enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation."
— Marci Mowery, President, Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
“We’re inspired by Governor Shapiro’s commitment to outdoor recreation and by DCNR’s efforts to expand opportunities for Pennsylvanians to enjoy our state’s incredible public lands. SCORP offers a thoughtful roadmap to create more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable outdoor spaces. At the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, we look forward to using this plan to strengthen our work in stewarding one of our most cherished public resources — parks.” – Ross Chapman, Chief of Operations at Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
"Outdoor recreation is paramount to the quality of life of each and every Pennsylvanian. Data has proven that access to recreation through parks, trails and greenways increases home values, generates tourism dollars, and is key to improved physical and mental wellbeing. We are thankful to DCNR and Governor Shapiro for their support of our industry, and will utilize the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan to develop resources and educational opportunities for park and recreation professionals to help further impact their communities." – Niki Tourscher, Interim Executive Director, Pennsylvania Recreation and Parks Society (PRPS)
"Our parks, trails, and public lands are critical components of Pennsylvania’s public infrastructure, delivering economic, environmental, and health benefits to communities statewide. PEC believes that getting people outdoors is one of the best ways to instill a sense of stewardship of our land, air, and water. The SCORP charts a course for improving access, ensuring equitable opportunities, and investing in the care and longevity of these resources. We were honored to collaborate on these efforts and commend DCNR and Governor Shapiro for crafting a plan that will benefit all Pennsylvanians for generations to come.” - Brett Hollern, VP for Western Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC)
See what Pennsylvanians are reading, watching, and hearing about DCNR’s new statewide plan:
FOX 43: Lancaster hosts 'Outdoors for All Day' to unite community | fox43.com
WGAL 8: Pennsylvania aims to bring state parks within 10 minutes of every resident
The Center Square: Outdoor Places, Shared Spaces unveiled | Pennsylvania | thecentersquare.com
York Dispatch: State officials reveal 5-year plan for outdoor recreation
Times News: Pennsylvania touting its 5-year outdoor blueprint – Times News Online
Butler Radio: DCNR Announces Five Year Outdoor Recreation Plan - ButlerRadio.com - Butler, PA
From ATV riding to whitewater boating, Pennsylvania’s public lands offer something for everyone. To learn more about outdoor recreation opportunities at state parks, forests, and local parks across the Commonwealth, visit DCNR's website and explore the Calendar of Events for seasonal programming happening across the state.
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