Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 30th anniversary logo

Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
DCNR Grants News Head Banner

Recreation for all.

Happy Park and Recreation Professionals Day!
Park and Recreation Professionals Day logo
Park and Recreation Professionals Day is coming up next Friday, July 18.
Started in Pennsylvania and now celebrated nationally, Park and Recreation Professionals Day honors the people who work to provide the recreation programs and facilities we all enjoy.
On July 18, consider it a tribute to your park and recreation providers to visit a state or local park. Take the time to meet and say thanks to a caretaker, lifeguard, coach, event organizer, manager, or local official.
“Most people don’t realize the level of detail it takes to make activities at their local park go well or just to run the local camp or pool,” said Tim Herd, retired Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society.
Pennsylvania has more than 6,000 local parks and 124 state parks. The hard work of park and recreation professionals and volunteers keep these amazing public spaces clean, safe, and accessible for all.

Video Highlights Parks and Recreation Career Options
Interested in a career in parks and recreation? A recently released video from the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society (PRPS) highlights the many rewarding options.
Titled “A Choice Career: Parks and Recreation,” the five-minute video features interviews with park and recreation professionals in a variety of jobs including environmental educators, park supervisors, and recreational therapists, among others.
PRPS developed the video in collaboration with the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
To learn more about careers in parks and recreation, visit NRPA’s Choice Career webpage.
Video titled "A Choice Career: Parks and Recreation"

Featured Project: Middletown Borough Cuts Ribbon on Overdeer Park
Officials cut the ribbon at the opening of Overdeer Park in Middletown
benches, playground, and picnic table and Overdeer Park in Middletown
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) staff recently joined officials from Middletown Borough in Dauphin County to celebrate the ribbon cutting for Overdeer Park.
Located in the heart of the borough’s downtown, Overdeer Park is modest in size. But it plays a meaningful role in the community. It offers recreational opportunities and a cool retreat for residents, especially those in underserved neighborhoods.
Middletown revitalized the park by replacing outdated playground equipment, installing a new play area, planting trees, and adding a shade structure.
Together, the renovations transform the park into an inviting and family-friendly space.
DCNR supported the park’s rehabilitation with a grant from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund.

Featured Project: FDR Park Gateway Plaza Opens
officials cut the ribbon at the opening of Gateway Plaza at F D R Park
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) staff also recently attended a ribbon cutting for the new Gateway Plaza at FDR Park in Philadelphia.
Gateway Plaza is referred to as FDR Park’s “welcome mat.” It serves as an entryway and meeting point for park visitors. The plaza is also accessible by the SEPTA transit system.
DCNR supported the plaza’s construction with funding from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund.

Pennsylvania's Heritage Corridors Launch Playlist Competition to Celebrate Local Culture
Three of Pennsylvania’s designated Heritage Areas have teamed up for a friendly competition they’re calling “The Ultimate Road Trip Playlist Challenge.”
The competitors include PA Route 6 in the northern tier, Lincoln Highway in the southcentral region, and National Road in southwest Pennsylvania.
Earlier this year, each Heritage Area invited the public to submit song suggestions that capture the character of their regions. The suggestions might include local artists, generational favorites, or simply the perfect track for a winding mountain drive.
Each Heritage Area developed its own playlist based on those suggestions. And now, public voting is open to select the winning playlist.
The Heritage Areas will announce the winner on July 14—just in time to enjoy all three playlists on a Pennsylvania summer road trip.

Dates to Remember
Calendar icon
Manage your preferences | Opt out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.
400 Market St
Harrisburg, PA | 17105 US
This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.
powered by emma
Subscribe to our email list.