First Try Collective Launches Free Summer Outdoor Series Across City

Published on June 09, 2026

First Try Collective Launches Free Summer Outdoor Series Across City of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA – The First Try Collective will launch its inaugural summer event series across Greater Pittsburgh, offering free, beginner-friendly outdoor experiences for residents of all ages and abilities. The series invites individuals, friends, and families to try new activities, explore local outdoor spaces, and build confidence outside.

The First Try Collective is designed to make outdoor recreation more welcoming and accessible by giving participants a low-pressure opportunity to give an activity its “First Try.” Events will include supportive instruction and activities such as mountain biking, mushroom identification, yoga, forest bathing, disc golf, ecosystem exploration, and stewardship opportunities. Some events may require pre-registration due to space, equipment, or safety needs. Accommodations are available upon request.

According to the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, Pennsylvanians identified having “no one to go with” as the third-highest barrier to outdoor recreation. The plan also identifies “try-it” opportunities as a key strategy to reduce barriers and create quality outdoor connections for Pennsylvanians.

“The goal of the First Try Collective is simple: make it easier for people to participate, feel welcome, and try an outdoor activity for the first time,” said Marcus Shoffner, President & CEO of the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition. “This series is about opening the door to new experiences and helping people see themselves outdoors well into the future.”

The First Try Collective is supported by a regional collaboration of outdoor, conservation, and recreation partners, including Allegheny Land Trust, Allegheny County Parks and Recreation, Butler County Parks and Recreation, City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks & Recreation, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The series is a project under the Thrive Outside Pittsburgh designation awarded by the Outdoor Foundation in November 2025. The designation recognizes Pittsburgh as part of a national effort to strengthen community-led outdoor access, increase collaboration among local partners, and create more pathways for youth, families, and residents to spend time outside.

City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks & Recreation Director, Eric Sloan, added, "Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the benefits of recreation. First Try Collective allows participants to try new activities at little to no cost, experience our parks, and have fun in a welcoming environment."

Participants can use the First Try Punch Pass to track their participation throughout the summer. Anyone who completes three First Try Collective events will receive free ice cream from Millie’s Ice Cream during Outdoors for All Day at Allegheny Commons on Saturday, August 15. Additional raffle incentives will be available for select activity collections, including biking, mindfulness, and ecosystem exploration.

About The First Try Collective

The First Try Collective is a free summer event series helping Greater Pittsburgh residents learn the basics of outdoor activities and enjoy the region’s parks, trails, green spaces, and outdoor amenities. For event details, registration links, accommodations, and incentive information, visit www.firsttrycollective.org.

###

Molly Onufer
Press Secretary
molly.onufer@pittsburghpa.gov