After three years of planning and repairs, Dauphin County officially reopened the boardwalk at Wildwood Park during a rededication ceremony held on April 29.

County officials were joined by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, as well as leaders from Friends of Wildwood and local park supporters, to cut the ribbon. Participants included Dauphin County Commissioner chairman Mike Pries; Dauphin County Parks and Recreation director Anthea Stebbins; DCNR Recreation and Conservation manager Lori Yeich; Pennsylvania state Rep. Patty Kim; DCNR secretary Cindy Adams Dunn; Kristen Olewine Milke, a major donor and project sponsor; Friends of Wildwood board president Jim Caufield; Friends of Wildwood board member Lee Johnson; Wildwood Park manager Chris Rebert; and Dauphin County Commissioner Chad Saylor.

DCNR provided funding for numerous improvements, including an accessible outdoor comfort station, hydration stations for people and pets, trail repairs, interpretive signage, a spotting scope, bridge renovation, trail safety enhancements and the completion of Wildwood Way Trail.

"The boardwalk project illustrates the difference we can make when we come together to fix a problem," said Pries. "Wildwood Park has long been a popular destination for recreationalists and nature lovers, but the years and flooding took their toll, especially on the boardwalk. Thanks to the leadership of Friends of Wildwood and our county Parks and Recreation Department and the partnership we have with DCNR, we now have an expanded, stronger and more resilient boardwalk for our community to enjoy for years to come."

Friends of Wildwood launched a capital campaign in spring 2020 with the goal of raising funds to reopen the boardwalk after it was closed due to severe flood damage. The successful campaign enabled the county to renovate the boardwalk, with repairs completed in early April.

As part of the project, a 100-foot section of the Delta Boardwalk was completely rebuilt to better withstand floodwaters. In addition, a new 75-foot section spanning Paxton Creek was added to the North Boardwalk. To minimize environmental impacts of construction, the project incorporated streambank stabilization and wetland matting for equipment.

"Wildwood Park is truly a community asset, and we take seriously our responsibility to protect it so that future generations can enjoy the bounty of nature's beauty," said Saylor. "Wildwood Park is a natural habitat for countless species of plants, birds, fish and other wildlife. It is a critical woodland and wetland ecosystem, and we're fortunate to have it right here in Dauphin County."

The commissioners noted that the project was community-led. "This was a grassroots labor of love for those who treasure Wildwood Park," said Commissioner George Hartwick. "This project would not have been possible without the generous support of the many donors who helped fund it, including Friends of Wildwood, the Olewine family, the McCormick Family Foundation and the Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation. We're so grateful to them for helping to protect and enhance this natural treasure."