Make the most of Great Outdoors Week
Share with others:
iking, climbing, cycling, fishing, hiking, paddling, running and more. Touted as a10-day weekend by the organizers, Great Outdoors Week is now in its 10th year -- as eagerly anticipated as a part of a Pittsburgh spring as warmer weather and sunshine.
A full lineup of events is scheduled May 13-22 throughout southwest Pennsylvania. In addition to the usual suspects, some new events have been added this year.
"A number of new groups have reached out to us indicating they want to participate in Great Outdoors Week," said Ginette Walker Vinski, communications manager for Sustainable Pittsburgh. "What's extra special about it is they're offering their unique activities that range everywhere from your typical hiking and biking events to such things as sailing and orienteering."
Events will take place all over the region as far as Apollo, Butler, Canonsburg, Fayette, Indiana, Mars, Uniontown and Washington.
Vinski said unique this year is the number of events taking place Downtown.
"More often than not, folks might not think of an urban area as a place that would offer free outdoor amenities," she said. "The opposite is true -- not only do you have all the great parks, but you also have the wonderful trail network and the rivers."
Great Outdoors Week is coordinated by Sustainable Pittsburgh in cooperation with numerous outdoors organizations throughout the region. Its mission is to make outdoor recreation a hallmark of quality of life in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Great Outdoors Week offers more than 60 events for people of all ages and skill levels, from outdoor enthusiasts to newcomers.
Vinski said the benefits are widespread affecting both the participants and the region.
"Outdoor recreation is a key component to sustainability in the region in that it helps to foster lifestyles and it promotes a sense of environmental stewardship," she said. "At the same time, having a region that embraces outdoor recreation attracts and retains talent and boosts our local economy."
First Published May 8, 2011 12:00 am
