It’s officially summertime and the living is uneasy. Recession fears are rising as fast as inflation. The average price of a gallon of gasoline in the United States stands at $4.95.

Dwindling purchasing power and skyrocketing fuel prices are putting a twin squeeze on everybody’s travel plans.

Fortunately, there are enough, if not exactly hidden at least overlooked, gems here in Butler County to provide a low-cost vacation or at least a inexpensive day out.

Everybody knows about Moraine State Park and the Jennings Environmental Education Center in Brady Township, but what about a day trip to Buffalo Creek Nature Park in Buffalo Township?

The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania opened the six-acre site between Little Buffalo Creek and the Butler-Freeport Community Trail just over a year ago.

Anchored by its Babcock Nature Center, the park is close to the trout-stocked Little Buffalo Creek while the trail gives bikers and hikers an easy and traffic-free route to the site.

The center itself offers concessions and restrooms, a nature play area, a picnic pavilion and Audubon Nature Store. Its staff members conduct nature classes and programs for all ages, such as an upcoming weeklong survival camp for children ages 10 to 17.

Another overlooked recreation area is Father Marinaro Park in Butler.

The seven-acre park on the city’s south side has ballfields, a picnic pavilion and a skate park. It’s a popular spot for dog walkers as well.

A vacant building formerly used as a Franklin Glass plant sat on the site until it was damaged in a 1972 fire. The fire cleared space in the area for the park's construction in the following years.

Father Marinaro Park was officially dedicated in 1978, according to archives.

It's named after the Rev. Vincent Marinaro, described in "An Historical Gazetteer of Butler County, Pennsylvania" as "a beloved priest who founded St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church."

The all-volunteer South Side Park Group has spent the past year getting donations from clubs and organizations, and holding yard sales to raise money to fix skateboard ramps at the park.

The volunteer, nonprofit group raises money to maintain the skate park.

Skateboard enthusiasts of all ages showed off their skills recently when the park was the site of a National Go Skate celebration featuring food vendors, music and skate competitions.

The Butler City Council has plans to make improvements in the park including installing a new baseball field, basketball court, parking lot and a new playground.

A visit to either of these parks or the many others located in the county would be a great day out without breaking the bank to fill the gas tank.

— EKF