News

Dauphin Co. Parks and Rec Department Earns State Award

Mar 15, 2024

Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Department

Wins State Award  

 

HARRISBURG, PA (March 15, 2024) – Coming off its 50th anniversary last year, the Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Department has won this year’s “Agency of the Year Award” from the Pennsylvania Recreation and Parks Society (PRPS).

 The award was presented Thursday night at the association’s annual conference at the Seven Springs Resort in western Pennsylvania.

Led by Director Anthea Stebbins, the department has offered more than 400 programs annually, and enhanced the county’s arts scene, culture, natural beauty, wildlife education, historical appreciation and much more through countless programs, parks and projects. From such beloved initiatives as the Community Gardens, Detweiler Park, Sankofa theater performances, the Art in the Wild exhibit at Wildwood, Fort Hunter Day, outdoor movie nights, Wine and Jazz Festivals and more, residents were able to relax and de-stress along scenic trails and forests, or in other scenic locales.

“While Dauphin County is comprised of 286,000 residents, Dauphin County Parks and Recreation’s services touched more than 900,000 lives in 2023 alone,” noted Dauphin County Commissioner Mike Pries, who has oversight of the department.

By working with land trusts, state agencies, other conservation organizations, and local recreation clubs that foster stewardship as partners, Dauphin County has future expansion in the works. 

“Our county Parks and Recreation Department has operated with a singular commitment to excellence, service, historical preservation, and the county’s natural beauty, which has vastly enriched the educational, cultural, artistic and historic assets throughout the county,” said Commissioner George Hartwick, III.

 “I am so proud to see our staff honored for their exceptional efforts,” Commissioner Justin Douglas said.  “Our capital county has been a standard-bearer for county recreation departments across the state and nation, and it’s exciting to see innovation rewarded, and residents enjoying the outdoors together.”

  

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