If you are looking for a fun day with the family, the Millerstown Community Park is the place to be. Whether that is having a relaxing Sunday afternoon walk on the trails or going to see the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra at the Amphitheater, there is something for everyone. These events and activities don’t just create themselves, though. Many hours of dedication are required to make such things happen. Whether that is spending hours upon hours putting up Christmas lights or simply asking a band to come and perform, there is constantly something to be done.
Within the park, there are numerous fun and exciting activities that you can do. As Millerstown is such a small town, it is incredible to think that we have such an amazing park that offers many different experiences. The best part about this is that the park is not done creating yet. There are some very exciting, upcoming advancements that are hopefully going to be put in place. Be on the lookout!
I had the opportunity to interview one of the active board members of the park, Willard Benner, about what the park has to offer and its history and future.
For any people who may not be familiar with the park, what sorts of activities and event areas are available within the park?
“There are many activities and events available in the park, including the Amphitheater and all sorts of youth sports fields. All around the park, there are walking trails that are used year-round and are lit up annually at Christmas time. Along the walking trails, there are gnomes and obviously incredible views of the river and creek. You will see the playground and the little free library on your walk, too. Included in this area are also many pavilions that are available to rent. Additionally, there is the community swimming pool.”
How did the park come about?
“When Valera Cupp Long passed away, she gave her money to 14 organizations. These 14 organizations included the Jaycees, Fire Company, Pool, Lions Club, Newport Public Library, and cemeteries and churches in town. The shares that were given to the Pool, Fire Company, Jaycees, and Lions Club had to promote and maintain a park. With these donations, they had to combine their money to form a park. Everything following that is history.”
Why do you put in all of these hours at the park?
“I love to give back to the community and be around people. This atmosphere around people brings me joy.”
What kinds of advancements have you made within the last couple of years at the park?
“We have been able to do many different things. The lighted trail around Christmas time is probably the most well-known. We have also done things like putting in the benches around the park, and we built the Veterans Memorial Wall. If you walk on the walking trails, there are also plaques along the walk that were just put in.”
What would you say to any of the people who have never been to the park?
“I would highly recommend you all come out and have a leisurely walk. Within your time here, it is so nice to just enjoy nature and just take in its beauty.”
How is the park funded?
“The park is funded through donations. It used to be funded by Valera’s contributions, but now it is all by donations. The park is not supported by taxes in any means.”
What are your goals for the park in the future?
“We would like to acquire our own tractor to be able to maintain things ourselves. With this tractor, we would be able to do things like put in a path for kayaks down by the river. We would also like to make a trail around the football/baseball area to the river. Right now, this area is just weeds, but we hope to change that in the near future.”
How do you make a reservation?
“Reservations can be made by contacting Teresa Hunker. There are five pavilions available for use and then the community building as well that can be reserved.”
Upcoming Park Events:
-March 20: Soup, Sandwich, and Baked Goods Sale
-July 24 (Rain date July 31): Car Show
-October (Date TBD): Virtual 5k and 10k Walk/Race
-October (Date TBD): Fall Fest
-October (Date TBD): Scarecrow Contest
-Pending: Millerstown Community Throw Blanket Fundraiser
With all of this being said, the park is definitely worth going to see. The dedication and kindness of many people in such a tight-knit community has kept the park thriving. Knowing that there are many exciting advancements coming, the park is only going to continue to get better!
The overall goal of everything going into the park is to put smiles on the faces of people like you and me. Millerstown is such a beautiful town, and it deserves to be displayed in this fashion. Not only do we get to enjoy the fantastic scenery, but we can also do some fun things, such as watching a concert or going to the library. However, the park does not run by itself. At the end of the interview, Mr. Benner had a final statement. He said, “The park is only as good as the community wants it to be.”
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