Downingtown, Pennsylvania -- Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Arlene Marshall-Hockensmith and Pennsylvania Director of Outdoor Recreation Nathan Reigner today visited Marsh Creek State Park to highlight the agency's commitment in expanding outdoor recreation access and unveiled a new Spanish-Language Recreation Guide for the Commonwealth's 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of state forestlands.
DCNR released the new guide during Hispanic Heritage Month to highlight the agency's initiative to create a more inclusive environment in outdoors spaces, called Mosaic.
An English-language version of the Recreation Guide preceded the Spanish guide.
“This Spanish-language recreation guide and efforts here at Marsh Creek to make the park more accessible to all visitors are examples of DCNR embodying Mosaic principles," Marshall-Hockensmith said. "We want every Pennsylvanian to enjoy – and feel welcome at – our incredible state parks and this new guide will allow Spanish-speaking visitors to take advantage of everything Pennsylvania's great outdoors have to offer."
The recreation guide shares important information about Pennsylvania's public lands, including lodging and activities. The guide also includes a highway map of the Commonwealth with special icons for state parks and forestlands.
“Outdoor recreation is an important part of Pennsylvania's economy, and expanding access to opportunities for all people is critical to growing this important sector," Reigner said. “As Pennsylvania competes with other states as an outdoor recreation destination, it is important to understand the only way we are going to win is to get everyone in the game."
Outdoor recreation contributes $17 billion to Pennsylvania's economy annually, supporting 164,000 jobs, and accounting for 2 percent of the Commonwealth's gross domestic product, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Reigner noted that many state parks, public libraries, and nonprofits have loaner equipment, gear libraries, and offer programming around enhancing outdoor experiences for prospective visitors. Additionally, businesses like outfitters offer rental equipment for people who would like to try outdoor activities but do not have the necessary gear.
“Pennsylvania is unique among states in that we offer free admission and free parking, making Pennsylvania's parks and forests accessible to all," said Marci Mowery, President of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF), the non-profit partner to state parks and forests. “By focusing on the needs of all users, we create inclusive spaces."
Currently, Marsh Creek offers programming throughout the year to engage new and diverse audiences. The park's pool and boating area are ADA accessible and there is an ADA accessible boat launch on the west side of Marsh Creek Lake.
Marsh Creek is slated for a Spanish-language individual park guide and map in 2025.
The park was awarded a $20,000 grant to make the Park Road Trail ADA accessible from the Hearts of STIHL program. The park also plans to install bilingual signage for its visitors.
DCNR works to conserve and maintain Pennsylvania's public natural resources for the benefit of all people, including generations yet to come.
The department is taking intentional action to ensure the lands it manages are accessible to all, to provide inclusive and equitable programs and services, and to recruit and retain a diverse workforce.
Through grants, the agency supports hundreds of outdoor-related projects in communities annually, having invested $1.2 billion in 8,800 projects across the Commonwealth since 1995.
For more information on state parks, forests, and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR's website, and the Good Natured DCNR Blog or follow DCNR on social media. For upcoming programs check the DCNR Calendar of Events.
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