With a population of over seven million, Reading, PA, part of the Philadelphia metropolitan area, is the nation’s seventh-largest metropolitan region. While boasting beautiful natural areas and a world-class destination for cyclists, the legacy of coal and railroads left Reading with the highest share of citizens living in poverty in the nation among cities with populations exceeding 65,000, according to 2010 U.S. census data.
“Ensuring all Berks County residents have close-to-home opportunities for recreation is vitally important to the future of outdoor recreation in the County,” as stated in the Berks County Greenway, Park and Recreation Plan. “All people are not served if there are segments of the population who feel disconnected or unwelcome, or simply don’t have easy access to outdoor spaces and amenities. Age, neighborhood, gender, color of skin, language, ability, or socioeconomic standing should not be barriers to enjoying outdoor recreation. Overcoming real and perceived barriers through enhanced access, amenities, and programs will help all people feel invited and engaged in Berks County outdoor spaces.” That’s why we’re gathering groups across Reading to work together to address the barriers keeping all people from enjoying the outdoors.
Our Reading Lead Partner:
Berks Nature
Our lead partner Berks Nature’s goal is to be intentional and inclusive in the involvement, engagement, and empowerment of all groups of people within our community. Berks Nature will take the broadest possible view of diversity in order to attract, develop, engage and retain people from all walks of life and backgrounds in our work. Berks Nature has served the Berks County community since 1974. The vision of Berks Nature is to be a cornerstone of excellence in the stewardship of the environment. Clearly identified with their special mission, they strive to meet the ever-changing needs of Reading’s neighborhoods, while helping to transform all people’s relationship with nature.
Berks Nature is committed to the creation of significant partnerships that directly support the needs of other local “on the ground” groups, and aspire to have our membership be active and engaged not only with Berks Nature, but also in their local communities. Their LEED Gold certified The Nature Place at Angelica Creek Park is used as a gathering place for schools, events, educational programs, and community needs. The Nature Place is known locally and regionally as a demonstration campus for environmental best management practices and a demonstration center for education and connection to nature. They steward 425 acres of leased land, own 424 acres of preserves and manage nearly 27 miles of trails and seek to connect and share those assets with the public where and when that is compatible with our stewardship goals for those specific properties.
To join our effort to make the outdoors more accessible contact: @berksnature.org