2020 was a record breaking year for Pennsylvania’s State Parks.

And a loyal group of supporters were there to help Beltzville State Park deal with the challenges of a large influx of visitors.

The Friends of Beltzville State Park have helped maintain the park and educate its visitors since 2015. Now over 50 strong, they are involved throughout the year with various projects in the park.

“Our group is about the success of Beltzville State Park. To make sure you come and have a good time, and leave safe. That’s why we’re here,” said John Dworsky, the group’s vice president.

On busy weekends during the pandemic, the Friends of Beltzville greeted visitors to the park, informed them of park rules. They distributed trash bags and assisted with litter cleanup.

Their work earned them recognition from the National Association of State Park Directors.

Dworsky said the group would not have received the award without being constantly involved in helping keep the park nice for visitors to enjoy.

The results of that work are visible all around the park.

Friends group members clear fallen trees from trails around the park. Others walk the trails to find and report obstructions.

The network of birdhouses around the day use areas of the park are maintained by volunteers with the Friends group.

They’ve installed a pollinator garden and a little library.

“We kind of have our hands in everything here at the park,” Dworsky said.

The group also assists park staff with programs for visitors. They host trail walks to discuss everything from history to nature to ghosts. And they offer kayak programs, including ones for disabled visitors.

On Oct. 10, they are inviting the public for a full day’s activities. The park’s Fall Festival will include stories for kids, a nature walk, crafts and games. And for adults, there will be live music from Godfrey Daniels and a food truck.

Making sure the park is well maintained and visitors have a good time takes a lot of work. But the Friends group volunteers are up for the challenge.

“Volunteers as well as park staff are what make this park run. It simply wouldn’t run the way it does without all these people who are here in our group,” Dworsky said.

To nominate someone for the Neighborhood Spotlight, email suggestions to tneditor@tnonline.com