When the coronavirus pandemic had towns across the nation closing their community parks, Allegheny County kept its nine parks open to give residents an avenue for outdoor recreation.

“Every nice day was like the first day of spring,” said county parks Director Andy Baechle. “We don’t specifically count people, but I’ve never seen the parks busier.”

Beginning Oct. 1, the nonprofit organization behind the Pittsburgh Marathon is partnering with FedEx’s Corporate Challenge program and Baechle’s department for “Explore Your Parks,” where members of the Corporate Challenge community as well as the general public are encouraged to complete three miles in each of the nine parks.

“It is so important to get outside, and we want to encourage everyone to move outdoors, especially in our local community,” said Troy Schooley, CEO of P3R, the nonprofit behind the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon and other runs, relays and aerobic events. “Participation will benefit the Allegheny County Parks Foundation, which helps improve, conserve and restore these nine parks.”

From the three fishing spots at Deer Lakes Park and the stately grounds of Hartwood Acres Park to the trails and nature centers at South Park and Boyce Park, there is plenty to see and do during a three-mile sojourn at any of the county parks’ 12,000 acres.

“In the midst of a global pandemic, that resource has never been more important,” Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said. “Ensuring that everyone in our community has access to outdoor recreation that is accessible and diverse is absolutely essential.”

Baechle agreed.

“To me, the root word is ‘recreate,’” he said. “I know how important the parks are, and I like seeing them get better.”

Recent projects include a redesigned hiking trail at Settlers Cabin Park allowing easier access to a waterfall area; restoration work on the South Park Cascades, a man-made natural area created using large flat stones quarried in the park; and upgrades to the sculpture garden at Hartwood Acres Park.

Half of the net proceeds from the “Explore Your Parks” program will go toward planting new trees in the county’s parks, in partnership with the Allegheny County Parks Foundation’s Tree Fund.

“We hope that this adventure encourages participants to explore new spots in our community and inspires them to give back to nature,” said foundation Executive Director Caren Glotfelty.

Program participants will have the whole month of October to get three miles in at all nine parks.

For more on the “Explore Your Parks” program, see p3r.org and click on “Corporate Challenge” under the “Programs” tab. Register by clicking here.

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