News & Announcements
Whitehall Road Regional Park Bird Walk 🐦
The State College Bird Town PA Committee invites you on a spring bird walk at Whitehall Road Regional Park. 🐦 With spring migration underway, a wide variety of birds may be moving through the area. Bird enjoyers of all kinds are welcome. The walk will be slow paced and beginner friendly through one of the area’s great birding spots.
📆 Tuesday, April 14
🕰️ 6-7:30 p.m.
📍 Meet in the gravel lot just west of the bathrooms and playground
Expect familiar favorites like the town’s Bird of the Year, the American Robin, along with possible sightings of raptors, Northern Flicker, and several sparrows. Whether listening to birdsong, watching with the naked eye, or sharing views through binoculars, scopes, or cameras, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Please note, a light drizzle will not stop the birds or the walk, but if there is heavy rain, the walk will be canceled.
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
April 13, 2026
Media Contact:
Elton Hayes
ehayes@statecollegepa.us
Borough of State College to celebrate Earth and Arbor Day with food, fun and interactive information
State College, Pa. — The Borough of State College will commemorate Earth Day 2026 in Centre County with live music, local food vendors and interactive engagement stations at its Earth and Arbor Day Celebration from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, at Sidney Friedman Park in downtown State College.
“This is an opportunity for community members and students to learn about topics that interest them, participate in crafts and activities, or find volunteering opportunities, while enjoying a day at the park,” Borough of State College Sustainability Assistant Anna Bohsali said.
This is the third year that the Borough of State College has recognized Earth Day, but it features a new twist: this marks the first time the Borough has added Arbor Day to its programming.
"The Borough of State College has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for 41 consecutive years,” Borough of State College Arborist Lance King said. “This achievement shows the community's
commitment to urban forestry and public trees in State College."
This year’s event features educational programming and entertainment for community members of all ages. More than 30 vendors from around the Centre Region will table and share beneficial and practical environmental,
conservation, and sustainability- related information.
Environmental organizations from Penn State University will also be represented with the Penn State American Nuclear Society & Women in Nuclear, the Penn State Sustainable Food Systems Food Network, Sustain Penn State, and the Penn State Agriculture and Environmental Center confirmed as engagement stations.
Young attendees will have an opportunity to crochet keychain bracelets at a crochet-keychain-and-coasters station. The Bellefonte Fiber Arts Crafting Circle will host a sit-and-craft station. There will be live music at Sidney Friedman Park, and Rebelz Mobile Cuisine, Fatema’s Kitchen, The Funnel Cake Kings and Mya’s Potroast Jamaican Cuisine will provide food.
Those interested in attending the Earth and Arbor Day Festival can access Sidney Friedman Park via CATA’s AC and RC lines. Parking is also available at the Beaver and Fraser garages.
“From climate advocacy and bird conservation, sustainable arts and crafts, biking and live music, there will be something for everyone to enjoy,” Bohsali said.
Celebrate Earth and Arbor Day on Tuesday, April 21
Celebrate Earth and Arbor Day with Sustainable State College from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, at Sidney Friedman Park. Attendees can enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment throughout the afternoon.
Learn about local environmental organizations at a wide range of information booths, enjoy numerous engagement activity stations, and take part in sustainable arts and crafts. There will be live music from local bands and food vendors will also be available. The event is friendly for all ages.
For more information, visit https://bit.ly/SCEarthDay2026.
Temporary Parking Lot Closure at High Point Park
The parking lot at High Point Park will temporarily be closed for maintenance. Work is scheduled to take place from Monday, April 13, through Friday, April 17, weather permitting. Questions about this project may be directed to Lance King at lking@statecollegepa.us or by calling 814-234-7100
April 2026 State College Municipal Newsletter
The April 2026 newsletter is now available! Enjoy updates from Borough departments and divisions, book recommendations from Schlow Library, project updates, and more!
➡️ Access the newsletter at https://bit.ly/4sXxWyw
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
April 10, 2026
Media Contact:
Elton Hayes
ehayes@statecollegepa.us
State College Named USA Today’s ‘Best Small College Town’
State College, Pa. — State College has been named the No. 1 Best Small College Town in the nation in the annual USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, earning top honors for its vibrant culture, athletics, and distinctive town-and-gown charm.
“I am proud to see State College recognized as the number one Best Small College Town in America. I thank the USA Today panel for recognizing what so many of us know so well: this is a vibrant, welcoming, and truly special place. I am grateful to all the residents, students, local businesses, Penn State, and community partners who help make State College such an exceptional community,” State College Mayor Ezra Nanes said.
Selected by readers from across the country, the ranking places State College at the top of a competitive list of destinations known for their dynamic college-town environments with populations of 50,000 or less. The recognition highlights State College’s mix of events, arts and entertainment, hiking and outdoor recreation opportunities, and culinary scene, along with acknowledging the impact of Penn State University’s athletic teams.
“This recognition reflects the strong partnership between the Borough of State College, Penn State University, and our residents, all of whom contribute to making State College a special place to live and work,” State College Borough Manager Tom Fountaine said.
The honor also reflects the Borough of State College’s commitment to its mission of enhancing quality of life through a safe, vibrant, diverse, and sustainable community. Guided by core values such as integrity, transparency, accountability, diversity, customer service, and a high professional standard, the Borough continues to align its programs and resources to meet the needs of residents and visitors.
The USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards are determined through a public voting process, with nominees selected by a panel of experts. The Best Small College Town category recognizes communities that provide an exceptional experience for students and visitors alike.
“From our neighborhoods and downtown to the Penn State campus, what makes this community exceptional is how people come together to create a place that continues to inspire and welcome everyone who experiences it,” Fountaine said.