Parks are for People

Maurice K. Goddard, appointed Pennsylvania Secretary of Forests and Waters in 1955, worked tirelessly to ensure recreational opportunities for everyone as well as 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 far-reaching approach included dedicated funding streams such as the Oil and Gas Lease Fund, bringing recreation, conservation, and improved water quality to Pennsylvanians. Goddard and his staff worked to bring outdoor activities closer to residents, helping build a state park system that today draws more than 25 million visitors a year and was recognized in 2009 by an independent organization as the best state park system in the nation with a two-year Gold Medal Award.

Pennsylvania · United States