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Residents urge Centre County to restore outdoor recreation at correctional facility; commissioners cite staffing and budget limits
Summary
Two residents asked the Centre County Board of Commissioners to reinstate outdoor recreation at the Centre County Correctional Facility, citing mental- and physical-health benefits. Commissioners said the facility meets state requirements but persistent corrections staffing shortages and budget constraints make a large outdoor project unlikely without future capital planning.
Two Centre County residents asked the Board of Commissioners on March 27 to reinstate outdoor recreation at the Centre County Correctional Facility (CCCF), saying access to sunlight and nature is essential for inmate well-being.
Cynthia Carpenter of State College told commissioners she had not seen movement on the issue after the board took decision-making responsibility and offered to help form a community committee. "Every day that outdoor rec is not established at CCCF is another day that the people incarcerated go without the healing effects of sunshine and nature," Carpenter said.
Ferguson Township resident Lisa Maris said she was embarrassed to learn the facility does not provide outdoor recreation and pointed to the facility mission statement’s commitment to humane treatment and improving overall inmate well-being. "I know everyone here has been presented with ample evidence as to why outdoor recreation is humane, improves well-being, and is critical for physical and mental health," she said.
Commissioners acknowledged the concerns but said the county must weigh statutory compliance, staffing and budget realities. The chair said the facility "meets and exceeds all state requirements," described an on-site exercise room and a large garage door used in good weather, and emphasized that the county has reduced its local inmate population substantially in recent years.
Commissioner Concepcion said any new outdoor recreation project would need to be evaluated in the county’s capital project planning process, noting priorities are set each year against available funds. Commissioner Dershow underscored chronic corrections understaffing and associated overtime costs, adding that hiring the additional corrections officers required to safely operate an outdoor program "just isn't on the table" until staffing is resolved.
The board did not adopt any immediate action or direct staff to pursue a specific outdoor-recreation plan; commissioners said they would consider the item in future capital planning and budget discussions.
The board is expected to address capital priorities during its upcoming budget and capital-project planning cycle.
