Prior to the creation of the SCPRA in 2015, the landscape of the what most identify as Park & Rec in the area was ran by the Shippensburg Borough; although, there had also been other models in place over the years — including a Park and Rec Commission at one time as well.

Often times, and due to that variances of the structure throughout the years, residents may not fully understand the dynamics of how the SCPRA is organized — particularly in comparison to how all the independent municipalities within the immediate Shippensburg area (or what we most commonly refer to as ‘within our school district’) operate themselves.

Let’s start there! The greater Shippensburg area, or that reference of ‘within our school district’ is made up of 7 different local municipalities that are independently governed. Not to mention, Shippensburg itself is unique because it also falls in 2 different counties.

This area combined is home to roughly 30,000 people even though separately each of these municipalities are much smaller and have varying differences in how they operate.

Those 7 municipalities include:

  • Shippensburg Borough (Cumberland and Franklin County)
  • Southampton Township — Franklin County
  • Southampton Township — Cumberland County
  • Shippensburg Township (Cumberland County)
  • Hopewell Township (Cumberland County)
  • Newburg Borough (Cumberland County)
  • Orrstown Borough (Franklin County)

The area is vastingly growing, including a rise in students within the school district.

So, who does Park & Rec and how does the SCPRA fit into all of this?

Upon it’s creation in 2015, the SCPRA (or Park Authority) was designed to be the sole entity that would be able to handle the immediate Shippensburg region’s Park & Rec needs.

Unfortunately, as each of those municipalities are independently governed — not all ended up joining the SCPRA and either decided not to offer those type of programs or went about it a different way. Most simply rent space for others to use and are not directly handling duties of on-site setup. Thus, this is why you may feel so confused when looking for a field, a pavilion, or even where to turn to sign your child up for something you see happening.

There are also other organizations within our community that were formed as non-profits, or are associated with other causes that too, operate independently in their own structure. These organizations often use space within the listed municipalities to host events and coordinate their own things. The same is true for some local businesses who have space and interest. Also, church’s in the area are part of this independently operated structure as well.

We have a lot of different components, all looking to do good for our community.

But as for Park & Rec —

The SCPRA is the only active Park & Rec Department in town providing programming and trying to establish more offerings through a recreation mindset that takes into consideration the variety of interest of those who make up our community as a whole.

Right now, that includes the park properties of two of those seven municipalities.

The Shippensburg Borough and Southampton Township, Franklin County.

Those two municipalities are currently SCPRA partners, which means the Park Authority is in charge of the space at park sites within those two areas of town, but not the other five.

We are actively encouraging and interested in the other five joining us — to form more of a regionalized effort and offer a more uniform approach on how we can best serve you.

Parks where we currently do work and have oversight, include:

  • Shippensburg Memorial Park (and Veterans Stadium)

  • The Peace Garden (@ Memorial Park)

  • Pool Site (@ Memorial Park)

  • Dykeman Spring Park (and The Trails)

  • Duck ponds (@ Dykeman Park)

  • The Hatch House (@ Dykeman Park)

  • Dykeman Field (@ Fayette Street)

  • Branch Creek Children’s Park

  • King Street Gazebo

  • Cressler Park

  • Hamilton Park

  • Portion of Ripple Complex

  • Orrstown Road — Rail Trail Extension Project

  • Dentler Village Park

  • Furnace Run Nature Park

Some notable parks/spots where we DO NOT have oversight, include: Township Park on Britton Road, Ship Station, Southampton Park on Airport Road, Cleverburg Park on Cleversburg Road, The Multi-Purpose Building in Cleverburg, or Hopewell Township Park.

Despite the fact that not all of the local municipalities are part of the SCPRA — we have tried to limit ‘non-residents’ rates while also recognizing the importance being a partner provides.

The SCPRA is focused on providing for everyone, and building a strong structure that will help with the type of activities occurring in our community — we are community first and welcome collaboration with other groups who prioritize a similar mission.

As we strengthen our policies and procedures, and ultimately gain support and have others seek to be included in what our goals and objectives represent, more will be possible.

Focus initially shifts to sports upon first thought of Park & Rec — but we are interested in health and wellness (and fitness), crafts and creativity, nature and outdoors, events, leagues, festivals, clinics, the arts, incorporating education, and other diverse skills and hobbies.

The Park Authority is working hard to serve you!