(HARRISBURG, PA) Columbia River Park won the Keystone 20th Anniversary Award for an exemplary Parks and Recreation project funded by the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund.

The award was presented to the Borough of Columbia, Lancaster County, at the state Capitol on Monday as part of a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Keystone Fund. The award was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, Pennsylvania Land Trust Association, Pennsylvania Library Association, Pennsylvania Parks & Recreation Society, and Preservation Pennsylvania.

“For more than two decades, the Keystone Fund has been helping communities protect open space, develop community parks and recreation areas, support libraries, preserve historic sites, and protect and improve our state game, forest, and park lands,” said presenter Robert Griffith, former executive director of the Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Society and one of the original Keystone champions. “This project demonstrates that investments in the Keystone Fund help make real and lasting improvements in our communities.”

Columbia River Park received $1.03 million in Keystone funds for park revitalization and expansion. The project consists of an enlarged boat ramp, a canoe and kayak ramp and increased parking. The project also includes a new Park and Trail Services building complete with restrooms and kiosk area, porous paving and sidewalks, rain gardens, a boat dock, pavilion and a handicapped accessible dock, benches and picnic benches.

“Beautiful Columbia River Park attracts visitors from across the state who want to bird watch, picnic, fish and play,” said Leo S. Lutz, mayor of the Borough of Columbia.  “The Keystone Fund made possible important improvements that will enhance the visitor experience, make the park accessible to all people, including those with a physical impairment, and encourage more people to enjoy this wonderful asset.”

The other Keystone 20th Anniversary award winners are:

• Trails – The D & L Trail in the Wyoming, Delaware and Lehigh Valley. Presented to the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.
• Historic Preservation – Pearl S. Buck House, Perkasie, Bucks County. Presented to Pearl S. Buck International.
• Library – Scottdale Public Library, Scottdale. Westmoreland County.  Presented to Scottdale Public Library
• Conservation – White Rocks Acquisition, Cumberland County. Presented to Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
• State Parks – Ryerson Station State Park Swimming Pool, Richhill Township, Greene County.  Presented to Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation.

Awardees received a special wood plaque to be displayed at the site of their project.

About Keystone: The Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund is a critical dedicated funding source for recreation and conservation projects, libraries, historic preservation initiatives and higher education. Established in 1993 with an overwhelmingly approved voter referendum, a 48-0 vote in the Pennsylvania Senate and a 196-3 vote in the House, the Keystone Fund automatically receives 15 percent of the state’s realty transfer tax.  Since its establishment, the fund has helped conserve more than 130,000 acres of green space, supported more than 1,900 park projects, and funded 570 historic preservation projects and more than 200 library projects.

(SOURCE: News Release)