Enola, PA — Today, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn joined local leaders, partners, and community members to celebrate the grand opening of a new ADA-accessible pedestrian bridge at Adams-Ricci Community Park in East Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County.
The new pedestrian bridge safely spans a busy state road, connecting the east and west sides of the park — and in doing so, significantly improves access to recreational fields, hiking trails, Conodoguinet Creek, and walking paths that lead to the Pine Hill Arboretum. The project prioritizes public safety and accessibility, while strengthening community connection to the outdoors.
The bridge was funded in part by a $248,000 grant from DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2), part of the Shapiro Administration’s broader commitment to enhancing Pennsylvania’s public parks and natural spaces.
“This pedestrian bridge is a vital addition to East Pennsboro Township’s Park system, providing a safe route for the community to access all the amenities that Adams-Ricci Community Park has to offer,” said DCNR Secretary Dunn. “DCNR is proud to have supported this project, and we look forward to seeing how this bridge enhances outdoor recreation for years to come.”
East Pennsboro Township collaborated with Cumberland County and neighboring municipalities to bring the bridge project to life — an example of strong local partnerships that reflect Pennsylvania’s investment in quality-of-life infrastructure.
“We are excited to open this much-anticipated pedestrian bridge, which will greatly benefit parkgoers by providing safer and more convenient access throughout Adams-Ricci Community Park,” said Commissioner George Tyson, President of the East Pennsboro Township Board of Commissioners. “This project is a testament to our ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and enhance recreational opportunities for our residents.”
This investment is one of hundreds made possible through the C2P2 grant, which supports projects to create new parks, rehabilitate existing green spaces, and protect natural resources across Pennsylvania. Last fall, the Shapiro Administration awarded more than $79 million to 307 local projects through this program — reinforcing a statewide strategy to expand access to safe, high-quality outdoor recreation.
Pennsylvania is home to more than 6,100 local parks, 124 state parks, over 12,000 miles of trails, and more than 83,000 miles of rivers and streams — and with 2.2 million acres of state forest, the Commonwealth is one of the largest providers of public outdoor recreation space in the eastern U.S. offering outdoor recreation opportunities in all four seasons – making Pennsylvania The Great American Getaway.
For more information about DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants, visit DCNR's website. For more information about Adams-Ricci Community Park, visit eastpennsboro.net.
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