Three Columbia parks might get "facelifts"

Three of the six parks in Columbia Borough might get facelifts in the near future thanks to a study currently underway. Council voted unanimously last month in favor of undertaking a study of Makle Park, Rotary Park, and Janson Park in order to develop a comprehensive plan. The $67,000 study is being carried out by the landscape design firm Yost, Strodoski, and Mears (YSM) and will include initial surveys for each park.

At the May borough council meeting, Pam Williams, chair of the borough’s Parks & Recreation Committee, said the completed plan will allow the borough to apply for grants for further development. “In order to apply for grants, we do need the information, to be successful,” she said. Williams added that there will be opportunities for public input to the plan, also. Borough Manager Rebecca Denlinger said a survey similar to one for the Columbia River Park Phase III will be made available to residents. Council President Kelly Murphy said the study will help determine what needs to be improved and added, and what programs will be provided for children and adults of all ages.

On the June 14, 2018 Parks & Recreation agenda, a “kick-off” presentation by Ann Yost of YSM was listed. The presentation was to provide an overview of YSM’s plan and procedure for Rotary Park, Makle Park, and Janson Park.

Currently, the Borough of Columbia owns Makle Park and Rotary Park. Janson Park is run by a foundation affiliated with Holy Trinity Church.

Other parks in the borough, but not included in the study, are:

Glatfelter Memorial Field, run by the Glatfelter Foundation.

Locust Street Park, owned by the Old Columbia Public Grounds Company but leased by the borough for a token fee to allow police to have enforcement powers in the park. The Grounds Company is responsible for park maintenance.

Columbia River Park, From the Columbia Borough website: “The Borough of Columbia, under a 99-year lease with the Old Columbia Public Grounds Company, is responsible along with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PAF&BC) for the management and maintenance of an approximate four acre parcel known as Columbia River Park.”

Glatfelter Memorial Field

Locust Street Park

Columbia River Park
The Old Columbia Grounds Company

0 thoughts on “Three Columbia parks might get "facelifts"”

  2. Research…Council agenda/minutes of October 10, 2016 Public Property items 12 d and 12 e. River Park is Borough owned, not leased from OCPG.

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  4. Change made. Thanks for the info. The inaccurate information we posted previously came from the borough's website. As the borough manager said recently, “The borough website is broken.”

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