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Bureau of Recreation and Conservation

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Outdoor Places, Shared Spaces.

December 10, 2025

Featured Project: Columbia Borough Cuts Ribbon on Two Park Renovations

Makle family members at the ribbon cutting for Makle Park in Columbia Borough
officials gather at the ribbon cutting for Janson Park in Columbia Borough
Earlier this fall, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) staff joined with local and state officials to cut the ribbon on renovations at two parks in Columbia Borough, Lancaster County.
At Makle Park, DCNR supported the renovation of basketball courts and the construction of a comfort station, pavilion, and accessible pathways.
Descendants of the Makle family—who originally donated the parkland—attended the event.
A second ribbon cutting in the borough also happened this fall at Janson Park. Work on this park included new play equipment, walkway, plaza, and parking area.
DCNR supported the Makle Park project with federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. The Janson Playground project received funding through a state grant from the Environmental Stewardship Fund.

Upcoming Webinar: Tools for Evaluating Park Equity and Access in Pennsylvania

volunteers garden at a local park
The Trust for Public Land is offering a free webinar titled “Tools for Evaluating Park Equity and Access in PA.”
The webinar will be held at noon on Thursday, January 22. Those wishing to attend should pre-register for the webinar online.
The webinar will:
  • Explore the value that parks and open spaces provide to Pennsylvania communities
  • Highlight strategies for evaluating local park needs
  • Offer actionable tools to expand outdoor access
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is supporting the webinar as part of its State and Regional Partnerships grant to the Trust for Public Land. Funding comes from the Environmental Stewardship Fund.

Olivia Braun Promoted to Highlands Program Specialist

Olivia Braun headshot
The Bureau of Recreation and Conservation congratulates Olivia Braun on her recent promotion to Highlands Program Specialist.
The Highlands Program Specialist supports land conservation projects within the federally designated Highlands Region of Pennsylvania.
Olivia has worked in the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation since 2020. Prior to joining the bureau, she worked at the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Burlington County Department of Resource Conservation in New Jersey.
In her spare time, Olivia enjoys biking, quilting, and spending time with family.

Dates to Remember

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