Mission Statement:

York County Department of Parks & Recreation  enhances the quality of community life acting as a steward for the environment.  In this capacity, it acquires, conserves, and manages park lands and offers a variety of recreational and educational opportunities.


Vision Statement

York County Department of Parks and Recreation strives to be the County leader in environmental conservation, preservation, and education.  Programs and projects in these areas reflect sound management and stewardship principles and a strong organizational commitment to innovation and public service. 

Value Statement

As steward of the County's park lands, the York County Department of Parks and Recreation: 

  • Creates customer-friendly environments 
  • Provides a diversity of natural areas to promote passive recreation 
  • Conserves and interprets the natural and historical aspects of park resources 
  • Listens and responds to park users 
  • Encourages safe and responsible use of park resources 
  • Strives to maintain the highest level of professionalism 
  • Enters into partnerships and pursues networking 
  • Promotes and honors volunteer participation 
  • Fosters innovation and creativity in fulfilling mission responsibilities 
  • Cultivates new sources of support and funding
    		•



    Director's
    Message

    May 2008
    Administrative Staff
    Administrative Headquarters email: parks@york-county.org
    Nixon County Park Nature Center email: parks-nixon@york-county.org

    NAME TITLE PHONE NUMBER
    Thomas R. Brant Executive Director  (EMAIL) (717) 840-7411
    Tammy F. Klunk  Assistant Director  (717) 840-7227
    Jeri L. Jones Special Events/Program Coordinator (717) 840-7226
    Michael E. Fobes  Manager of Natural Resources (717) 840-7228
    Barry L. Myers Supt. of Bldgs. & Grounds  (717) 840-7230
    George Howett Asst. Supt. of Bldgs. & Grounds (717) 840-7610
    Todd A. Hampson Asst. Supt. of Bldgs. & Grounds (717) 840-7610
    Francis A. Velazquez Education Outreach Coordinator (717) 428-1961
    Barry Unger Naturalist II (717) 428-1961
    Amber Carothers Naturalist II (717) 428-1961
    Deb Carbaugh Administrative Assistant (717) 840-7440
    Gerald K.  Ford, Jr. Chief Ranger (717) 840-7229

     

     
    YORK COUNTY ADVISORY BOARD OF PARKS AND 
    RECREATION

    BOARD MEMBERS (9)

    (As of January 1, 2007 - Annual Meeting)
    Sean Durgin ............. Chair John Rinehart
    John Strine ............... Vice Chair Nancy Sieling
    Deirdre Folkers .......... Secretary Anne Walko
    J. Richard Cooper  
    Thomas Englerth II  

    A nine-member volunteer board appointed by the York County Board of Commissioners to serve as a liaison between the Parks and the public.  The public is encouraged to attend board meetings, held the fourth Tuesday of each month, at 7 p.m. at Pleasant Acres.

     
    YORK COUNTY PARKS FOUNDATION CHARITABLE TRUST

    BOARD OF TRUSTEES (5-11 MEMBERS)

    (As of January 1, 2007 - Annual Meeting)
    Luther B. Sowers................. Chair James Donahue
    George "Skip" Lehmann... Vice Chair Betsy B. Lehner
    Linda Davidson............... Secretary Milton J. Menchey
    William T. Morris............... Treasurer Steven Ricklefs
    Thomas R. Brant Dale L. Schaeberle
      Timothy E. Senft

    A volunteer board appointed by the York County Board of Commissioners is dedicated to raising and managing funds to expand our park lands and facilities.

     
    YORK COUNTY PARKS EMERITUS BOARD

    This is an honorary board of individuals who have served their terms on the York County Parks Advisory or Trust Boards.  Members (advocating the Park’s mission and vision statements) voluntarily serve on committees, act as spokespersons within our community, participate in park functions, events and programs.  Members receive Advisory Board’s monthly agendas, minutes and Director’s Reports.

    Mission Statement:

    The Emeritus Board is dedicated to supporting, promoting and educating the public and community about the importance of the York County Parks system.
     
    “Skip” Lehmann Duane Close
    Ellie Shoemaker John Rinehart
    J. Robert Katherman Carroll F. Hunt
    Sandy Cooley  J. Kerr Anderson
    Voni B. Grimes Carroll C. Lukenbaugh
    Donald G. Heisler Reed “Jack” Dunn
    Thomas F. Clough John (Jack) Barbor
    Edward Bievenour Don Patton
    Anne Wagner  
    The York County Parks is one of 43 County Government agencies and is governed by the York County Board of Commissioners. The York County Advisory Board of Parks and Recreation works with the Executive Director and staff to maintain and preserve your parks. The York County Parks Foundation Charitable Trust oversees monies that are donated to the parks for either specific projects or in-kind donations.

    In 1968, the Board of County Commissioners faced the realization of diminishing open space and an increasing public demand for recreation and park facilities and programs. The York County Parks Department was established to provide the community with a wide variety of activities and to acquire, develop, maintain and preserve lands for further generations to enjoy.

    The York County Parks currently maintains over 4,000 acres for your enjoyment. Each park features different activities and a different theme.  So whether your interests include relaxation, sports, environmental education, history, wilderness or recreation, there is something in the York County Parks for everyone.

    HOURS: Regular park hours are from 8:00 AM until dusk. This may vary from park to park depending upon hunting and fishing seasons or the scheduling of special events. Hours for the main office of the York County Parks located at John Rudy County Park are as follows:

    MONDAY - FRIDAY - 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

    PARK RANGERS: This division provides security, enforcement and public relations. Rangers are available daily though our park office or by contacting 911.

    HUNTING: Various forms of hunting are permitted in selected areas of some county parks. Any person wishing to hunt in the York County Parks must apply for a free Parks hunting permit. Hunting areas may change annually, so contact the park office for details.

    PARK MAPS: Trail/Park maps are available. All maps are free of charge at the Parks office or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the office.

    VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Because of the wide diversity of activities, facilities and environments found in the York County Parks, a number of volunteer opportunities are available. Currently, the York County Parks works with such groups as the Master Gardeners, ARC of York County, York College of Pennsylvania, Izaak Walton League, YAMBA (York Area Mountain Bike Association), Boy Scouts of America, and Girl Scouts of America. Groups using the parks regularly volunteer their time to improve our facilities. Individual volunteers have played a major role in conducting different tasks ranging from staffing at Nixon Park to maintaining the flower beds in the parks. Individual and group volunteers are encouraged to contact the volunteer coordinator at (717) 840-7232 for more details.

    Please send your Comments and Questions
    about York County Parks to parks@york-county.org