The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), local officials, and community organizations gathered at Reservoir Park in Lancaster to celebrate the Commonwealth’s third annual Outdoors for All celebration.
“Outdoors for All is about 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 Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Events like this show 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 is what Outdoors for All is all about, and it is why DCNR is committed to making sure every Pennsylvanian can enjoy the outdoors in a welcoming and meaningful way.”
DCNR held the 2nd Annual Outdoors for All Day event at Culliton Park in Lancaster, and Saturday’s Outdoors for All event brought together more than 30 organizations at Reservoir Park.
“Lancaster City residents deserve access to safe and welcoming green spaces where they can connect with nature and each other, and Reservoir Park is such an important gathering place for our community,” said City of Lancaster Mayor Jaime Arroyo. “As we work to shape the park’s future, events like Outdoors for All Day bring neighbors together and give us the opportunity to gather meaningful input from the community so that the park truly reflects the wants and needs of the neighborhood.”
Participating organizations included several City of Lancaster offices dedicated to neighborhood, community, and environmental causes, along with groups such as Conestoga River Club, Core Services Associates, Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster County, DJ Paul Arteta, Kennett Outdoors, Keystone Trails Association, Lancaster Bird Club, Lancaster County Office of Aging, Lancaster County Parks and Rec Environmental Education Center, Lancaster Public Library, Paradise Electric Bikes, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, Ramp Up Skateboarding, Raven Ridge Wildlife Center, Side Street Mission, Softie Whirl Ice Cream Truck, The Mix at Arbor Place, Yoga in the Park, YWCA Lancaster, Pool and Yard Games, the Office of Governor Josh Shapiro, Paying It Forward, Department of Environmental Protection, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, the School District of Lancaster and many others committed to expanding access to outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental justice.
“Let’s Go 1-2-3 is excited to work with so many great partners for this impactful event that brings nature and recreational activities to underused city parks like Reservoir Park,” said Lydia Martin, Director of Community Engagement for Let’s Go 1-2-3. “This special event offers people of all ages and means easy access to free park activities and resources while celebrating Lancaster’s beautiful parks and greenspaces. Together we can help shape the future of Reservoir Park by providing feedback to the upcoming master plan.”
DCNR has invested more than $13 million in water conservation and recreation access initiatives in Lancaster County since 2016. Pennsylvania’s 2026 River of the Year, the Conestoga River, was recently honored for its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and for the conservation work of the Conestoga River Club to dramatically improve the water quality of the waterway.
“We’re excited to partner in bringing Outdoors for All Day back to Lancaster and into our home park” said Meg Martin, Chair of Friends of Reservoir Park. “This has been a great opportunity to learn about water access and connect with so many wonderful people in this community.”
Outdoors for All Day is recognized each year on the third Saturday in July to highlight Pennsylvania’s commitment to welcoming, inclusive access to nature for all residents and visitors. July is Outdoors for All Month, expanding the celebration into a statewide series of events that bring together recreation, conservation, and environmental organizations. What began as a single celebration in Pittsburgh in 2024 has grown into four events across the Commonwealth.
