Greetings from the Rec Park and the Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority!
This spring, I had the honor of speaking before the Council of Governments (COG) of Adams County. Many local leaders—representing municipalities, county government, law enforcement, and school districts—were surprised to learn just how many events and programs take place at our community’s recreation jewel.
While GARA doesn’t lead every event at the park, we play a major role in making sure things run smoothly. In some cases, we proudly take the lead—particularly with the Memorial Day Weekend Music Festival, the Fourth of July Fireworks and Concert, and the annual Holiday Craft Show.
To give you a sense of what happens throughout the year, here’s a sample of the groups and events we regularly host or help facilitate at Rec Park:
- Office for the Aging programs
- Healthy Adams Bicycle/Pedestrian Inc. (HABPI) rides
- Typical Life Corporation activities
- Gettysburg Youth Soccer Club
- Gettysburg Little League
- Gettysburg Youth Football and Cheerleading
- Lincoln Cemetery Board meetings
- Karate classes
- Kennel Club events
- Military Share food distribution
- Soccer Shots (for ages 2–5)
- World Classrooms visits
- Upper Adams Soccer
- Adams County Farmers Market
- Community dinners by Gettysburg Church of the Brethren
- District 14 Umpires Association clinics
- Yoga in the Park
- Adams County Library’s FunFest
- Heritage Festival
- Girl Scouts programs
- Collaborating for Youth summer camps
- Kids on the Run (5 races)
- Focus Festival (Autism awareness)
- After Dark Investigations (paranormal events)
These activities reflect the vibrant, inclusive community that calls the Rec Park home. We’re deeply grateful to the Borough of Gettysburg and Cumberland Township for their ongoing support. As we look to grow and enhance our offerings, we also invite other municipalities, service groups, and businesses to join in and invest in the future of this beloved community space.
Let’s keep the momentum going. Thank you for being a part of it!
Dr. Al Moyer is the executive director of the Gettysburg Area Recreation Authority. He has
served in public education for 36 years and higher ed administrator/professor for 5 years. Al
still teaches adjunct courses to aspiring school administrators/principals. The Rec Park is his
encore career motivated by his love for the park and community.