On Saturday, members from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources joined local officials and community partners at Culliton Park in Lancaster to celebrate the commonwealth’s second annual Outdoors for All Day and unveil the 2025–2029 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.

The plan is Pennsylvania’s five-year blueprint for expanding and enhancing outdoor recreation across the state. Gov. Josh Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis provided a proclamation and resolution, respectively, recognizing July 19 as 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.

“This plan is about making a place for everyone in the outdoors in Pennsylvania,” said DCNR Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz. “Input from thousands of Pennsylvanians — including recreation providers, outdoor enthusiasts and the general public — was critical in shaping the exciting next phase of outdoor recreation in our state.”

In January 2024, DCNR launched a more than yearlong public engagement process to develop the plan, which is required every five years to maintain eligibility for funding from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund — a program that has invested $216 million across 1,600 recreation and public lands projects across Pennsylvania.

Guided by a 40-member technical advisory committee, the plan emphasizes the role of public recreation spaces in building social connection, economic opportunity and ecological resilience.

It is organized around key priorities:

• Advancing health and wellness.

• Supporting access and inclusion.

• Addressing infrastructure and maintenance.

• Advancing sustainability and climate resilience.

DCNR is committed to conserving and stewarding Pennsylvania’s public natural resources for the benefit of all people — now and for future generations.

The department is taking intentional steps to make public lands more accessible, offer welcoming and inclusive programs and services, and build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the commonwealth.

“Launching the new statewide outdoor recreation plan on Outdoors for All Day directly aligns with DCNR’s mission to conserve and sustain Pennsylvania’s natural resources for present and future generations’ use and enjoyment,” according to Arlene Marshall-Hockensmith, DCNR diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging director.

“We thank Governor Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Davis for their continued support of the expanding inclusive access to the outdoors. I am hopeful that Outdoors for All Day helps all Pennsylvanians to see themselves in the outdoors and to consider exploring a new park or outdoor activity going forward,” Marshall-Hockensmith said.

Open initiative

Through Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway campaign and DCNR’s “Still Open. Still Awesome.” initiative, the commonwealth is welcoming residents and visitors alike to explore its 124 state parks, 2.2 million acres of forestland and more than 7,000 campsites — offering affordable, accessible and unforgettable outdoor experiences for everyone. As DCNR marks its 30th anniversary in 2025, the Shapiro administration remains focused on delivering safe, welcoming, and well-maintained public lands for all.

Since day one, Shapiro has made strategic investments to elevate outdoor recreation, transforming it into a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s economy and communities. These efforts are driving economic growth, fostering entrepreneurial opportunities and creating jobs across the commonwealth.

Outdoor recreation is a growing economic engine in the commonwealth. In 2023, the industry contributed $19 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy — a 10% increase from the previous year — representing 2% of the commonwealth’s gross domestic product.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the sector now supports over 168,000 jobs, providing $9 billion in wages to Pennsylvanians.