HARRISBURG, PA — The results are in, and Pennsylvanians have spoken loud and clear about the value of outdoor spaces in their lives. According to public surveys conducted by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), outdoor recreation is more than a pastime—it’s a lifeline. With over 8,000 responses collected statewide, findings reveal a striking connection between outdoor activities and mental health, as well as urgent calls for funding and modernization of recreational spaces.
The timing couldn’t be more critical. These insights will shape the state’s 2025-2029 Pennsylvania Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), a blueprint for guiding policies, programs, and funding. The stakes are high, as this plan determines Pennsylvania’s eligibility for federal grants supporting parks, forests, and outdoor spaces.
“The insights from these surveys are vital for shaping our next statewide plan and addressing the evolving needs of our communities,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “We deeply appreciate the thousands of Pennsylvanians who contributed their perspectives, helping us design more people-focused initiatives for the future.”
A Strong Connection to Mental Health
One of the most striking findings was the overwhelming acknowledgment of outdoor recreation’s role in mental well-being. A staggering 82% of Pennsylvanians agreed that accessing nature enhances mental health, with 74% advocating its integration into mental health care practices. Whether it’s a calming walk through a local park or the invigorating challenge of a mountain hike, Pennsylvanians believe their green spaces are contributing to emotional resilience and recovery.
It’s more than an individual benefit—it’s a community solution. Mental health challenges are on the rise nationally, and these survey results underscore the importance of accessible spaces that promote overall well-being. Investing in recreation isn’t just about leisure—it’s an investment in public health.
The Public Demand for Action
These findings also show a bipartisan consensus that funding for parks should be a priority. Across communities, respondents are clamoring for increased, permanent resources to sustain these spaces and ensure they meet modern needs. But this demand comes with stark realities. Nearly half of Pennsylvanians—46%—said their local recreation areas need upgrades.
Secretary Dunn emphasized that sustained investment is nonnegotiable. “The feedback reflects the voices of Pennsylvanians and helps us ensure that outdoor spaces are accessible, welcoming, and sustainable,” she said.
Yet, outdated infrastructure isn’t the only challenge. Funding difficulties remain a massive roadblock for recreation providers. Surveyed providers revealed that 55% struggle to hire staff because of limited funding. Additionally, they cited overly demanding grant requirements as a hindrance to accessing necessary state dollars.
Equity and Accessibility
While most Pennsylvanians feel welcomed and comfortable in outdoor spaces, the survey highlighted a troubling gap among communities of color, which reported higher rates of feeling unwelcome. This underscores the urgent need for equity-focused initiatives in the SCORP plan. If Pennsylvania is committed to truly inclusive recreation, these disparities can no longer be ignored.
The barriers stretch even further for older adults and lower-income households. Health limitations and financial strain make it harder for these groups to take advantage of outdoor activities. Without targeted solutions to address these obstacles, the benefits of recreation risk remaining out of reach for too many residents.
Building for the Future
As Pennsylvania forges ahead on its 2025-2029 SCORP plan, these findings provide a roadmap for action across five key priority areas. Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz stressed the importance of ongoing public input, with opportunities for engagement and feedback beginning February 3, 2025. Through webinars and a comment period, Pennsylvanians can weigh in on initiatives to advance health and wellness, promote equity, and modernize infrastructure, among others.
“This feedback reflects the voices of Pennsylvanians and helps us ensure that outdoor spaces are accessible, welcoming, and sustainable,” Jantz noted.
The SCORP plan positions Pennsylvania to remain eligible for significant federal grants, such as those from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has funded over $216 million of projects since 1965. Without a forward-thinking strategy, the future of outdoor spaces—and the funding to maintain them—could be at risk.
Implications for Community Well-Being
These survey results reveal a future where outdoor recreation must become a pillar of public policy. It’s not just about beautiful trails or scenic drives—it’s about health, community, and sustainability. Investments in outdoor spaces are investments in economic vitality, public health, and social cohesion. Yet, realizing this future requires more than vision—it demands action.
Modernizing infrastructure, addressing equity concerns, and securing permanent funding aren’t just lofty goals—they are baseline requirements for ensuring that every Pennsylvanian can access the mental health and wellness benefits of the outdoors.
The public has made their priorities clear. Will Pennsylvania seize this opportunity to lead? With the SCORP planning process underway, decisions made now will determine the health of the state’s outdoor spaces—and its residents—for decades to come.
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