The Harrisburg Parks Foundation (the Foundation) has officially closed down as an organization and  merged with the Harrisburg Green Alliance (HGA), a new non-profit organization that has brought together a diverse group of leaders, entrepreneurs, and civic-minded individuals who care deeply about the future of Harrisburg.

HGA will become the City’s new non-profit partner in support of the care and improvement of parks and playgrounds; but HGA will also have a broader mission: “to cultivate a vibrant community and foster economic growth by improving and beautifying Harrisburg’s public spaces.”

More than a century ago, a group of like-minded citizens came together and formed the City Beautiful movement to clean up Harrisburg, create public parks, plant trees, pave streets, improve water and waste infrastructure, and beautify our capital city.  This transformed Harrisburg and demonstrated the need for ongoing public-private partnerships where citizens can support, assist, and magnify the work of city government.

Since then, a succession of citizen organizations has carried on the vital work of the City Beautiful movement. The Foundation is passing the baton to the Harrisburg Green Alliance who will now serve as the City’s non-profit partner to support park and playground improvements and recreational activities. In addition, HGA will  take this important work to the next level with added emphasis on building community engagement throughout the City.

The outgoing board of the Foundation is very thankful of the hard work and dedication of the many volunteers who selflessly gave their time to build and sustain the Harrisburg Parks Foundation, resulting in a number of improvements to park and playground facilities and paving the way for the Green Alliance.  The Foundation’s first Chair, Jeb Stuart, deserves much credit for guiding the early growth and project successes of the Foundation, and we thank the many other board members and volunteers (too numerous to list here) who each made important contributions along the way.

Finally, the many donors provided critical funds needed to match grants for playground equipment and new pavilion shelters, and for that we are deeply appreciative.  The Green Alliance will likewise be seeking donors, volunteers, and community input for future projects improving the city’s large and small parks and playgrounds and other public spaces.  You can find out more about the Harrisburg Green Alliance at:  www.hbggreen.com

Harrisburg Green Alliance
1419 N 3rd Street, Harrisburg PA 17102
Phone:  717-461-2172; Email:  HBGGreenAlliance@gmail.com