Pennsylvania State Parks Offer Free Menstrual Products to Visitors

Updated ‍May 29, 2025

Pennsylvania is enhancing its state parks with a ⁣new initiative focused on accessibility. Free menstrual products are now available in 68 state⁤ parks, according to officials.

The proclamation took place at kings Gap Environmental Education Center in Cumberland County. Department of Conservation and Natural‍ Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and ‍First Lady Lori Shapiro,⁣ along with the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation⁢ Engagement, highlighted the program’s importance.

Visitors ‍can find these products in park offices, visitor centers, and ⁤environmental education⁤ centers. Signage in both English and Spanish indicates where⁤ the products are located, officials said.

First Lady Shapiro emphasized the importance of addressing period poverty. ⁤”I’ve been so inspired by all the young women I’ve met who are making their voices heard and starting ⁤conversations on period poverty,” Shapiro said. “Thanks to them speaking up,Pennsylvania has taken some major steps to ensure more women have access to basic hygiene supplies throughout‍ the day… ⁤DCNR’s work to get free menstrual products in the bathrooms and visitor offices of our state parks is critical to making our outdoor spaces welcoming to everyone.”

Secretary Dunn added, ⁣“No one should have to cut an outdoor adventure short because of their period. DCNR has you covered. We are committed to creating inclusive,welcoming outdoor spaces — and that means meeting people’s basic needs without stigma⁢ or barriers.”

what’s next

The DCNR plans to assess the program’s⁢ effectiveness and consider expanding it to more of Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks, which encompass 2.2 million acres and are open year-round with free admission.