Camp Hill, PA –The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF), the only non-profit whose mission is Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests received funding from Scranton Area Community Foundation to support accessible walking paths and educational panels at Lackawanna State Park.
The project will ensure a safe and accessible walking path within Lackawanna State Park by repaving the existing path. The trail helps to promote healthy outdoor activities, open to people of all ability levels. The project also includes the installation of two educational wayside panels along the trail to serve as a self-guided environmental education tour to showcase different habitats within the park.
“Walking is the most popular form of outdoor recreation and is available without the need to purchase any special equipment,” said Marci Mowery, President of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. “Research has shown that walking can help to reduce the risk of lifestyle related diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease and can ease the pain of arthritis. We are excited to work with the park and the Scranton Area Community Foundation to make this project a reality.”
“Our walking path runs along the lake as it transits the main body of the park and it is one of the most heavily used areas within the park,” said Rob Barrese, Park Manager at Lackawanna State Park. “From our everyday walkers to the first time visitor, this project will benefit thousands of visitors annually.”
The grant was awarded in 2018 and work on the project will begin in early summer.