Credit: Upper Dublin Parks and Rec.
From March 16 to March 19, members of the Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation (UDP&R) team participated in the annual Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society (PRPS) Conference in Hershey, which is the leading statewide organization supporting professionals and volunteers in parks and recreation through leadership, professional development, advocacy, and resources.
During the four-day event, Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation showcased its successful programs, innovative projects, and dedicated team. A highlight of the conference was the PRPS Awards Ceremony, where Upper Dublin Township received recognition for excellence in recreation and parks programming for its signature event—the Fire & Ice Fest.
Spearheaded by Assistant Parks & Recreation Director Tammy Echevarria, Fire & Ice Fest has become Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation's largest and most popular event, drawing thousands of attendees each winter. The festival offers a vibrant mix of outdoor entertainment, seasonal food, and community spirit during the typically quiet winter months.
Upper Dublin Township Manager Kurt Ferguson praised the team’s efforts, noting their creativity and dedication to inclusive, engaging programming as a key part of the community’s identity. He also extended appreciation to the residents, sponsors, volunteers, and partners who help make events like Fire & Ice Fest possible.
“We are incredibly proud of Tammy and the entire UDP&R team for their vision, creativity, and hard work,” said Ferguson. “Their commitment to creating inclusive and engaging programs is a reflection of what makes our community so special. We’re also deeply thankful to the residents, sponsors, volunteers, and partners who continue to support events like Fire & Ice Fest year after year.”
The festival is typically held over two days in late February, with activities scheduled on both Friday and Saturday evenings. Admission is free, and no reservations are required, making it accessible for everyone in the community.
Held at 1100 Virginia Drive in Fort Washington, the event offers a variety of attractions suitable for all ages like ice skating, ice sculptures, food trucks and beer/wine gardens, live entertainment, family-friendly activities such as face painting, inflatables, a trackless train ride, and a snow party, axe throwing, curling, and other unique performances.
The PRPS conference is designed to support professionals in parks, recreation, and conservation through education, networking, and the sharing of best practices. It provides a platform for attendees to explore new trends, tools, and strategies in community recreation and open space management.
