The Lancaster Recreation Commission's Lancaster Beer Gardens summer program received an Excellence in Recreation Programming award from the Pennsylvania Park and Recreation Society at the annual state conference and awards banquet on March 14. Accepting the award were program coordinators Heather Dighe, Spencer Shambaugh, Jack Bingeman, and Luke Mateyak.

The program draws thousands of attendees annually to enjoy green space, spend time with friends and neighbors, and provide support to the local community. This spring, summer, and fall, Lancaster Beer Gardens will return to three Lancaster city parks to raise monies for the Lancaster Rec Foundation.

Among the locations will be Musser Park and Buchanan Park. At Musser Park, 135 N. Lime St., Lancaster, events will be held on Thursday, May 30, to Saturday, June 1; Wednesday, June 5, to Saturday, June 8; Thursday, Aug. 22, to Saturday, Aug. 24; and Thursday, Aug. 29, to Saturday, Aug. 31. At Buchanan Park, 901 Buchanan Ave., Lancaster, events will be held on Thursday, June 13, to Saturday, June 15; Wednesday, June 19, to Saturday, June 22; Thursday, Aug. 1, to Saturday, Aug. 3; and Thursday, Aug. 8, to Saturday, Aug. 10.

Lancaster Beer Gardens will offer beverages in a fenced-in area in the parks. Food vendors will be on-site, and local brews will be available. Alcoholic beverages will be available only to those age 21 and older. Proceeds raised will fund recreation programming and youth scholarships. The family-friendly, pet-friendly events are intended for the betterment of the community.

Sponsorships are available for the 2024 season. For more information, visit http://www.lancasterrec.org/beergardens.

The Lancaster Recreation Commission's mission is to provide quality and affordable recreation and learning opportunities to Lancaster residents.