THRIVE OUTSIDE Pittsburgh

Thrive Outside Pittsburgh is building a regional ecosystem that expands access to outdoor recreation, strengthens youth development pathways, and activates the region’s parks and public spaces as engines of social impact. Rooted in the belief that outdoor experiences are vital to physical health, emotional wellbeing, and lifelong learning, this initiative connects youth and families across Pittsburgh to regular, meaningful engagement with nature.

Thrive Outside Pittsburgh Community Ecosystem

This effort unites city, county, and state agencies, educators, recreation providers, and community-based organizations to advance a shared vision: ensuring that all youth can confidently explore and thrive outdoors.

Key Focus Areas:

The initiative is structured around three interconnected committees that collectively drive systems-level change:

YOUTH COMMITTEE:
Integrates exploratory outdoor education into school systems and bridges classroom experiences with after-school and summer programming.

REGIONAL OUTDOOR RECREATION COMMITTEE:

Aligns public agencies and partners to strengthen investment and coordination across the region’s recreation infrastructure

EVENTS COMMITTEE:

Cultivates public enthusiasm for outdoor recreation through community-facing experiences.

BACKBONE ORGANIZATION
Outdoor Inclusion Coalition

STEERING COMMITTEE

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Pittsburgh Public Schools, Propel Charter Schools.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS:

Allegheny County Parks and Recreation, Allegheny County Parks Foundation, Ascend Climbing, Bike Pittsburgh, Butler County Parks and Recreation, City of Pittsburgh Parks and Recreation, Community Forge,Cycles for Change, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Environmental Charter School, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Pennsylvania Interscholastic, Cycling League, Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation, Ruach Bike Club, Southwestern Pennsylvania, Climbers Coalition (SWPACC), Venture Outdoors, Watersmiths Guild/SurfSup, Women and Girls Foundation of SWPA, Woods Room

Together, these strategies are positioning Pittsburgh as a national model for how cross-sector collaboration can remove barriers, normalize outdoor engagement as part of healthy child development, and build a sustainable foundation for equitable access to nature for generations to come.