Camp Hill, PA –The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF), the only non-profit whose mission is Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests received at grant from the Laura M Smedley Trust, through The PNC Charitable Trusts, for the Blood Farm Playground Project at Oil Creek State Park.
This project will place play equipment in the Blood Farm Area of Oil Creek State Park. The new equipment will attract more families to the area and encourage more outdoor play and physical activity. Play structures are often a child’s first introduction to the outdoors and development skills, and can lead to a lifelong habit of healthy recreation.
“The playground will be a much needed and appreciated addition to this beautiful area of the park,” said David Hallman, Park Manager, Oil Creek State Park. “It will fit in nicely with the new interpretive signs we just installed, which were also a result of grant funding awarded to PPFF.”
Additional funding partners include the Friends of Oil Creek State Park, a chapter of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, and the State Park Region #2.
“Play is an essential element for children of all ages,” said Marci Mowery, President of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. “We are excited to work in partnership with this amazing group of funders to make the playground a reality.”
Oil Creek State Park offers a wide variety of environmental education, recreational and interpretive programs. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation and understanding of the region. The Blood Farm Playground Project will enhance the day use area, attracting more families to explore the park.
The Friends of Oil Creek State Park supports the parks mission to preserve, protect and interpret its natural environment and cultural heritage while providing recreational and educational opportunities for visitors to Oil Creek State Park. PPFF and the friends group are committed to assisting with the support of this and many other projects to support the region through outdoor recreation tourism.