28-05-2025
Menstrual products to be free in half of PA's state parks
(WKBN) — The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced Wednesday that menstrual products will be free at half of its state parks.
The announcement coincided with Menstrual Hygiene Day, which brings awareness to period poverty.
According to a news release, the products are now stocked in 68 park offices, visitor centers and environmental educational centers at participating parks. Signage is also in English and Spanish to help parkgoers locate where products are available.
Pennsylvania has a total of 124 state parks, making the products available in over half of them.
'Having access to free menstrual products in state parks isn't just a win for equity — it's a step toward ensuring everyone can fully enjoy the outdoors without barriers,' said Ruby Mundok, Executive Director of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement. 'We've heard from young people across Pennsylvania who missed out on outdoor experiences because they didn't have access to menstrual products. This initiative gives visitors peace of mind so they can fully enjoy everything our parks have to offer.'
DCNR said they will evaluate the program's success and expand it to additional park locations in the future.
Local state parks include Pymatuning and Maurice K. Goddard in Sandy Lake. View a map of the state parks included in the initiative here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
