The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, Outdoor Inclusion Coalition and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, will host the 3rd annual Outdoors for All event at Allegheny Commons Park on August 15 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. This free event marks the final celebration in the statewide Outdoors for All summer series and brings together more than 25 conservation, community, and environmental partners.
Outdoors for All Day is recognized each year on the third Saturday in July, which is Outdoors for All Month, to highlight Pennsylvania’s commitment to welcoming, inclusive access to nature for all residents and visitors. What began as a single celebration in Pittsburgh in 2024 has expanded into four events across the Commonwealth that bring together recreation, conservation, and environmental organizations.
Outdoors for All also reflects DCNR’s Broader Mosaic initiative to strengthen community connections and ensure all people are represented and welcomed on Pennsylvania’s public lands. This year’s theme highlights the importance of expanding water access and creating more opportunities for water recreation.
“Outdoors for All is about connecting DCNR to the energy and community spirit that happens when people and organizations come together to celebrate the simple joy of being outside,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Events like this show what access to the outdoors can mean for people, from the sense of belonging it creates to the mental and physical benefits that come from connecting with nature. This is what Outdoors for All is all about, and it is why DCNR is committed to making sure every Pennsylvanian can enjoy the outdoors in a welcoming and meaningful way.”
Pittsburgh is known for the many ways people connect with the outdoors and each other through public lands and waterways. A wide range of organizations that support community vitality and wellbeing through conservation and recreation will be on full display at the Outdoors for All celebration, including, but not limited to, Venture Outdoors, SurfSUP and the Watersmith Guild, the National Aviary, Allegheny Land Trust, Riverlife, and more. Activities include kayaking, facepainting, mountain biking, birding walks, and learning opportunities from various organizations.
“Pittsburgh is full of recreation opportunities for families, residents, and visitors to connect with the outdoors between our three rivers, hundreds of acres of parks and a network of trails and green spaces,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor. “We are looking forward to a fun day near Lake Elizabeth in Allegheny Commons and celebrating our shared vision with our partners at DCNR, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, and community organizations to make parks and outdoor recreation more welcoming and accessible for all.”
“Outdoors for All is a wonderful example of what’s possible when organizations and communities come together to create and activate welcoming outdoor spaces for everyone,” said Catherine Qureshi, President and CEO, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. “That spirit of partnership and shared commitment to connecting people with parks and nature is part of what makes Pittsburgh such a special place.”
This Outdoors for All event also marks the end of the inaugural summer season of First Try Collective, a free event series helping Greater Pittsburgh residents learn the basics of outdoor activities and enjoy the region’s parks, trails, green spaces, and outdoor amenities. Participants who attend three First Try Collective events should bring their completed First Try Punch Pass to receive free ice cream from Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream during the Outdoors for All event at Allegheny Commons.
Millie’s Ice Cream and PGH Crepes food trucks will also be available to purchase to enjoy in the park. Carpooling, biking, or public transportation is encouraged as parking is limited to street parking.
DCNR has invested more than $51 million in Allegheny County since 2016 to ensure waterways and public lands stay open and accessible for all residents across the region. Outdoors for All celebrates access and inclusion and reminds us there is still work to be done.
Outdoors for All Day is a rain or shine event. Advertised activities are subject to change based on weather and safety conditions.
DCNR Media Contact:
Wesley Robinson
werobinson@pa.gov
717.877.6315