Maurice K. Goddard, appointed Pennsylvania Secretary of Forests and Waters in 1955, worked tirelessly to expand recreational opportunities for everyone while also promoting clean water, healthy forests, and open space. In 1962, he established the Bureau of State Parks to specialize in park management and pursued a vision of having a state park within 25 miles of every Pennsylvanian. His broad approach included dedicated funding streams such as the Oil and Gas Lease Fund, helping bring recreation, conservation, and improved water quality to people across Pennsylvania. Goddard and his staff worked to bring outdoor activities closer to residents, and today more than 25 million visitors a year use the state park system. In 2009, Pennsylvania was recognized by an independent organization as having the best state park system in the nation, and the two-year Gold Medal Award reflected the work of staff and volunteers across the decades.