(SOURCE: Columbia Borough Website, 2007 photo)

The following article (with the name of the park incorrectly spelled) was published in January 2004 …

Mackle Park renovations are proposed – by James Buescher, Correspondent, Lancaster Intelligencer Journal/New Era, January 2004

“The renovation of Mackle Park and its transfer to Columbia Borough were discussed Jan. 8 at a meeting of municipal and school officials. The borough has asked for state funds to resurface basketball courts, add a gated fence and install playground equipment. Also, R&S Manufacturing reportedly signed a letter of intent to donate the park to the borough.

“Council president Paul Resch said Jan. 12 if the borough is successful with both efforts, it could “provide more recreational opportunities for senior citizens, families and children.

“Mackle Park is not only one of the largest parks of its kind in our community, but it’s the only one that serves the southern quadrant of the borough,” Resch said.

“Mackle Park, located near 5th and Union streets, was built in the late 1970s and features two basketball courts, open space, walking paths, a picnic pavilion and at least two dozen old-growth shade trees. The park fell into a state of disrepair due to aging equipment and a lack of maintenance.

“Resch said lighting is inadequate, “and we’ve taken notice that it’s in need of some attention. We can’t afford to wait. We have to demonstrate to the community that we can take care of the parks that we have now.”

“In October, the borough applied for a $90,000 grant through the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. A decision is expected this spring.

“Also, the park was assessed at $80,000 by a state-certified appraiser. The appraiser’s report was a step in efforts by R&S Manufacturing to donate the park to the borough in perpetuity.”

According to the Columbia Borough Website, “Makle Park renovations were completed in 2007 with a $ 109,000 PA State Grant received in 2004. New Playground equipment as well as basketball courts were added.”

Here are a few pictures from Makle Park taken last Tuesday after the recent park clean-up staffed largely by “out-of-town contributors” according to ColumbiaTalk.