CENTRE COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — After years of debate and controversy, Centre County administrators are moving forward with their planned feasibility study on whether an outdoor recreational area should be added at the county prison.
On Tuesday, following previous approval by the board that oversees the Centre County Prison, the county commissioners decided to bring in a consultant, through a request for qualifications notice, to review adding outdoor rec space at the prison.
“I think it’s important to note that while Pennsylvania approves the type of recreation we have at our correctional facility, what this RFQ is doing is helping us get expertise on ways we can improve.”
Close to a dozen people attended Tuesday’s meeting and many spoke in favor of the proposal.
“I want us to be a community that treats people better than any other community.”
It’s been a topic here for years, with advocates saying that outdoor time can be beneficial for inmates.
Many of them have no outdoor opportunities, unless they're on work release.
The study is open ended to provide the county with ideas on the design, cost, and staffing for an outdoor rec area.
“We are going to let the selected firm come in and explore all the options, and present that to us as the final product.”
About a fifth of Pennsylvania 's county prisons have an outdoor recreation area.
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