ICYMI: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Closes Out Third Annual Outdoors for All Celebration in Pittsburgh
More than 25 Pittsburgh-area outdoor recreation and conservation organizations came together to offer hands-on activities, opportunities to get out on the water, education, and community connection at the event.
The event capped off a series of four Outdoors for All events across the Commonwealth this summer celebrating the importance of the outdoors in communities across Pennsylvania.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources manages Pennsylvania’s 125 state parks and 2.2 million acres of state forestlands, which are free and open to the public every day.
Pittsburgh, PA – On Saturday, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) marked the Commonwealth’s third annual Outdoors for All celebration at Allegheny Commons in Pittsburgh highlighting the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to ensuring all Pennsylvanians have access to parks, forests, trails, and outdoor recreation.
“Today’s event and the Outdoors for All celebrations have focused on connecting DCNR to the energy and community spirit that happens when people and organizations come together to celebrate the simple joy of being outside,” said DCNR Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz. “We are committed to Outdoors for All and making sure every Pennsylvanian can enjoy the outdoors in a welcoming and meaningful way. These events showed what access to the outdoors can mean for people, from the sense of belonging it creates to the mental and physical benefits that come from connecting with nature.”
This year’s event was presented in collaboration with Outdoor Inclusion Coalition, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, and CitiParks, and brought together more than 25 regional organizations and community groups for a free, family friendly celebration at Allegheny Commons Park. Visitors enjoyed interactive activities, environmental education, games, music, dance, food, and the chance to try paddling on Lake Elizabeth.
“An event like this really demonstrates when the city, the Commonwealth, and community organizations work together,” said Eric Sloan, Director of Pittsburgh Parks and Recreation. “Every day [in Pittsburgh] our team is creating opportunities for people of all ages to get active and connect with their communities. That happens through our pools and rec centers, youth sports, outdoor programming, green spaces and so much more. We continue to look for ways to expand and evolve these opportunities and introduce more Pittsburghers to everything our parks system has to offer. Partnerships like the ones represented here today, and the regional partnerships we’re building throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania allow us to reach more people, share resources and create even more opportunities to experience the outdoors.”
Participating organizations included City of Pittsburgh Parks and Recreation, Riverlife, American Rivers, Pittsburgh Park Rangers, BikePGH and POGOH, National Aviary, Allegheny Land Trust, Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program, Live Oak Kids Occupational Therapy, , Sierra Club Allegheny Group, Allegheny County Park Rangers, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Southwest Pennsylvania Climbers Coalition, Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League, Project Destiny, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, Allegheny GoatScape, Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh, Azure Family Concerts, Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators, Mad Science Pittsburgh, Drum Nexus, Representative Aerion Abney’s Office, facepainting, an airbrush tattoo artist, a Disney activity, and Reading is FUNdamental.