For nearly 90 years, Glatfelter Memorial Field has been a place where people in Columbia come together. That sense of connection depends on local support to keep the park at 1249 Lancaster Ave. thriving.

"On any given day, you can find the community walking the track, playing pickleball, watching a youth baseball or football game or attending a community event at Glatfelter Memorial Field," said Robin Gamby, board secretary of the Glatfelter Memorial Trust.

Recent projects at the park include the installation of a dual-use pickleball court and street hockey rink. In 2025, a facelift of the large pavilion commenced, including a new metal roof and painting. Kitchen upgrades at the large pavilion will be completed in 2026.

"New doors will soon be installed on most buildings," Gamby shared. "There is always something to do at a property this size."

The brick entryway to the field was constructed in 1936, and a sport complex on the land was built by the Workers Progress Administration, providing employment for area residents during the Great Depression. At the time, the gate led to grounds that included a grandstand, a football field, a baseball field and tennis courts.

In 1937, the field was dedicated to the memory of Lt. Richard Glatfelter, a Columbia High School graduate and member of the Class of 1933 at West Point. He was killed in a car accident during his first assignment at Fort Dix, N.J. David L. Glatfelter, Richard's father, donated the land in honor of his son.

Columbia High School athletics used the field and played in a stadium on the grounds until 1963, when the school moved its playing fields to its current campus on Ironville Pike. The field also hosted the Columbia Raiders, a semiprofessional football team, in the early 1960s. Several community celebrations have been held on the site over the decades, including the closing ceremonies for the 1938 Columbia Sesquicentennial Celebration and the 1988 Columbia Bicentennial Celebration. On the first anniversary of 9/11, the Glatfelter Memorial Trust, working with the Columbia Borough Shade Tree Commission, planted nine trees on the west side of the park and 11 trees on the east side in memory of the Americans who died during the terrorist attack.

Today, the park includes a large pavilion, a small pavilion, basketball courts, football and baseball fields and a track. It is used by a variety of groups throughout the year, including CBAA baseball and softball teams. Additionally, community members have reserved the facility for events such as a community Easter egg hunt, birthday parties and reunions.

Gamby noted that providing up-to-date facilities and activities for the community is an ongoing challenge for the board.

"Since Glatfelter Memorial Field is not a municipal park and does not receive any municipal or government funding, we rely on the rental of the facility and generous donations to maintain and make improvements," she said.

A major fundraiser for the field is the annual golf tournament. This year's event will be held at Cool Creek Golf Club, 300 Cool Creek Road, Wrightsville, on Friday, Sept. 25, with an 8 a.m. tee time. Opportunities for support include participating as a golfer, providing sponsorship or donating items for a giveaway.

"In 2025, almost $13,000 was raised by the golf outing to add to other generous donations, which allowed for the installation of new doors," Gamby stated.

The field will also be the site of two upcoming community events.

"We are pleased to be the location for two 300th Wrights Ferry/Columbia anniversary events," Gamby said. "On Saturday, June 6, a celebration will be held after the Lancaster County Firefighters Parade in Columbia, and on Saturday, July 4, a Fourth of July celebration will be sponsored by Columbia Borough. These will be two great events to celebrate our town's 300th anniversary."

Gamby emphasized that the longevity of the park would not be possible without help from the community.

"We appreciate the public's help in keeping the property safe, clean and family friendly," she said, adding that policies such as prohibiting dogs, alcohol and drugs at the park help to keep it in good shape. "The community is grateful to the Glatfelter family for their generous gift that has provided much enjoyment to the community for decades and thanks the family members that remain involved with the operation now and in the future. We would like to thank all of our volunteers, donors, renters and the community for creating a great experience for all at Glatfelter Memorial Field."

Anyone who is interested in sponsoring or participating in the golf tournament may email glatfeltermemorialfield@gmail.com.

To learn more about renting a space at the field or making a donation, visit http://www.glatfeltermemorialfield.com.