Stand With Your Local Parks: Park Advocacy and Why It Matters
Lively in Winter: What’s Active?
Need a festive pick-me-up? You’re in luck. The holiday season can be best spent in your local park. From dashing (or hiking) through the snow to spending time with loved ones at events, markets, and more, PA parks and recreation centers aren’t short on things to make your spirit bright. There’s so much wonder and joy to be found in nature in the winter (and some pretty sweet decorations too) — so bundle up with your scarf and warm-woolen mittens, grab a few pals, and hit the outdoors for some holiday cheer.
Make It to a Market
Looking to check a few more gifts off the list? Parks are home to some pretty magical holiday markets — you get to spend some time outdoors and avoid the chaos of shopping malls. What’s better than that?
For a large spectacle of both shopping, decor, and even ice skating, LOVE Park and Dilworth Park in Philadelphia have it all at their holiday market.
And while some may have already passed or are coming up soon, there are some fan favorites within PA parks that will have to make it on your list of shopping stops for next year.
Light Up Your Holiday
Parks are also home to some pretty impressive, and always heartwarming, light shows. They’re a sight to see, and certainly beat out spending hours detangling your own string of lights. Some are walkable and others are even drivable, but however you plan to experience them, there’s no doubt you’ll feel merry and bright.
Delaware County’s Rose Tree Park hosts their own Festival of Lights up until after the new year — with some nights even featuring vendors and food trucks. Join in the festive atmosphere and catch a glimpse of some illuminated natural wonders! You can also witness holiday lights at the Gring’s Mill Recreation Area in Reading. This experience is packed full of live music, food, a fire pit, and more.
Or even join LOVE Park as they celebrate Chanukah with a menorah lighting in the park!
Craft Away
What’s better than a brand-new store-bought ornament? An ornament you or your child made all by yourselves! Workshops and crafting sessions in parks and at recreation centers are perfect for wintertime. You’re able to see new faces, learn a new skill, be in your local park, and craft something special for someone you love for the holiday season.
This year, you could even decorate cookies and create your own bird feeder with your little tots at “Santa’s Workshop” in Carlisle Parks and Recreation.
Feel Good by Doing Good
Doing your part as a community member and resident on planet Earth is one of the greatest gifts you can give this season. Parks and recreation centers can always use your help — and what better time to do it than when people need cheer the most? This season, find ways to join in, whether you’re looking to volunteer, donate, or show your support.
For more holiday-based donating, look out for recreation centers holding toy drives for the less fortunate. And if you enjoy spending time outdoors, even in December, volunteer for park cleanups and litter pick-ups. Chances are, there aren’t as many people volunteering in the cold months, and our parks could certainly use your help!
And More
PA’s parks and recreation centers aren’t short on ways to celebrate. You can ice skate or go out sledding in one of the many state parks (though be careful not to oil up your sled before hitting the slopes!). You can even ice skate with Santa at Bethel Park. You can find some enchanting, and safe, trails to hike to view some incredible wintry sights, frozen waterfalls and all.
Or you can spend your Christmas Day with Washington Crossing Historic Park, witnessing a “crossing the Delaware” reenactment, perfect for history-buffs and any other Pennsylvanians alike.
However you plan to celebrate the holidays, why not include PA’s parks and recreation centers in your celebration?
Show us your Christmas fun! Post your photos and tag our IG account @goodforpa
