COOKSBURG, Pa. (EYT) – The PA Parks and Forests Foundation announced Monday that Cook Forest State Park has been named its Park of the Year.
(Photo by Don Niederriter.)
The park is being recognized for its exemplary and innovative work in customer service, education, programming, and recreation – along with other outstanding features.
Cook Forest wasn’t the only area honoree, however.
The Over-the-Hill Gang at Oil Creek State Park is being recognized with the Volunteerism Award for providing decades of dedication to the maintenance and care of 40 miles of trails.
Also, Marilyn and Tom Fye are being honored with the Education Award with decades of service to Clear Creek State Park in Jefferson County and Parker Dam State Park in Clearfield County.
The PA Parks and Forests Foundation announced the winners of its 2018 awards to recognize the outstanding service, programs and exemplary work being done in state parks and forests.
This year’s winners will be honored at the 12th annual banquet on May 9, 2018, at the Susquehanna Club in New Cumberland.
Sponsorships for awards are available.
“The awards banquet is one of my favorite times of year,” said Marci Mowery, President of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. “The commitment of the award winners to the stewardship of our public lands for generations to come inspires and engenders a continued commitment to these precious resources.”
Award Winners:
— Park of the Year: Cook Forest State Park is being recognized for its exemplary and innovative work in customer service, education, programming, recreation, stewardship of the natural, cultural, historic assets, and/or accommodation of special needs of visitors.
— Volunteerism Award: The Over-the Hill Gang at Oil Creek State Park, is being recognized for their decades of dedication to the maintenance and care of the 40 miles of trails in Oil Creek State Park.
— Education Award: Marilyn and Tom Fye are being recognized for their help with decades of education programming, campground hosting, volunteerism, and commitment to Parker Dam and Clear Creek State Parks and their visitors.
— Cliff Jones Keystone Legacy Award: This top honor is being awarded to Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn to recognize her outstanding contribution to the protection and enhancement to the park and forest system in Pennsylvania.
— President’s Award: The Pennsylvania Wilds Conservation Landscape Program and the PA Wilds Center are being awarded the President’s Award to recognize their outstanding work to protect open space, conservation, outdoor recreation, and volunteerism.
— Joe Ibberson Government Award: Rep. Kate M. Harper (R-Montgomery) is being awarded the Joe Ibberson Government Award for her focus on preserving the environment and work to protect and enhance the state’s Growing Greener program, Keystone Recreation, and Parks and Conservation Fund, which supports open space, historic preservation and improvements to state parks and forests.
— Forest of the Year: Rothrock State Forest is being recognized for the innovative and exemplary work in both forest management and recreation being done.
— Improvement Award: Boulder Woods Country Club is being recognized for the creation and stewardship of two disc golf courses at Gifford Pinchot State Park.
— Young Volunteer Award: Sarah Reeping is being recognized for her significant commitment to volunteerism at the Laurel Hill State Park complex.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation website.