Borough of Hanover Celebrates National Park and Recreation Month With Community P.A.R.K. Scavenger Hunt

HANOVER, PA – July is National Park and Recreation Month, and the Borough of Hanover Department of Parks and Recreation is inviting residents and visitors to celebrate by participating in the Hanover P.A.R.K. Scavenger Hunt throughout the month of July.

Established in 1985, National Park and Recreation Month recognizes the vital role that local parks, green spaces, and recreation professionals play in enhancing quality of life. The 2026 theme, "The Power Of…," celebrates the many ways parks and recreation strengthen communities through connection, play, nature, belonging, community, and overall well-being.

To help showcase Hanover's outstanding recreational assets, participants are encouraged to visit each of the four featured locations in the P.A.R.K. Scavenger Hunt, snap a photo with the designated Scavenger Hunt yard sign at each stop, and submit their photos along with their name, address, and t-shirt size to ParksAndRecDept@HanoverBoroughPA.gov.

Everyone who successfully completes the scavenger hunt will receive a free Hanover Parks & Recreation t-shirt for each participant in their party and will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 Visa gift card.

The four featured destinations spell P.A.R.K.:

P – Playground (Union Park)
Visit Union Park, the Borough's newest and recently renamed park, featuring an accessible playground, walking loop, basketball and tennis courts, and a new pavilion generously donated by the Hanover Kiwanis Club.

A – Long Arm Reservoir
Just outside Hanover, Long Arm Reservoir offers more than beautiful scenery. Visitors can hike, fish, kayak, or canoe while enjoying part of the Borough's more than 2,600 acres of watershed parkland. An accessible boat launch was added last fall, and weekend kayak rentals are available through Labor Day from Susquehanna Outfitters.

R – Rail Trail (Hanover Trolley Trail)
Explore the Hanover Trolley Trail beginning at Moul Field. Whether walking, running, or biking, participants can enjoy a portion of the 3.4-mile trail and discover scenic views of Hanover while learning about the future expansion of the York County Rail Trail network.

K – Kitchen (Hanover Market House)
The "K" may be a little bit of a stretch, but no tour of Hanover is complete without stopping at the historic Hanover Market House. Established in 1815 and operating continuously at its current location since 1933, the Market House offers fresh meats, produce, baked goods, coffee, artisan products, and delicious prepared foods from its many kitchen vendors. Participants should note that the Market House Scavenger Hunt sign is only available during market hours: Saturdays from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

With its neighborhood parks, playgrounds, sports fields, trails, and reservoirs, the Borough of Hanover offers countless opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors while leading active, healthy, and connected lives.

"We hope families, friends, and visitors will use the P.A.R.K Scavenger Hunt as an opportunity to discover—or rediscover—the many recreational amenities Hanover has to offer," said Parks and Recreation Director Matt Purkins. "National Park and Recreation Month is the perfect time to get outside, explore our community, and experience the power of parks and recreation."

For more information about the Hanover P.A.R.K. Scavenger Hunt, contact the Borough of Hanover Department of Parks and Recreation at 717-637-3877 ext. 1029 or email ParksAndRecDept@HanoverBoroughPA.gov.

The Borough of Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania, was incorporated in 1815. The Borough serves the public through stewardship, government, development and improvements of public assets including water/sewer/stormwater & refuse utilities, parks & recreation facilities, the Hanover Market House, the Guthrie Memorial Library, as well as Code Enforcement, Police & Fire Departments. It is governed by the Borough Council, overseen by the Borough Manager, and staffed by administrative, public service, public works, sewer, water, refuse and engineering professionals. Known as the Snack Food Capital of the World, Hanover is home, not only to numerous food industries, but also to manufacturing, metal fabrication, technology, commercial sales, and services. Hanover Borough offices, located at 33 Frederick Street, can be reached at 717-637-3877 or by email at Info@HanoverBoroughPA.gov. More information is also available at www.HanoverBoroughPA.gov.