Patrick and Mardelle Kopnicky at Harrisson Hills Park Overlook

Patrick Kopnicky of Fawn Township recently retired from his architectural career, but he hasn’t stopped working. With his wife, Mardelle, they responded to Allegheny County’s call to form the Circle of Friends for each of the local parks in the County park system. Needing five members, the Kopnicky’s sought out three more persons to join them in caring for the 500-acre Harrison Hills Park. Cynthia Maleski, Tom Nehrer and Sue Vertosick volunteered to form The Council of Friends of Harrison Hills Park.

Patrick and Mardelle, both area natives, are outdoor enthusiasts. They love birding, cross-country skiing and hiking. When the opportunity to improve Harrison Hills Park came, they both jumped aboard without hesitation. Although Allegheny County was looking for a citizen’s group to be the eyes and ears of the park, the Friends of Harrison Hills Park became much more. Realizing County budget restraints and other problems that slowed revitalization of the park, the Kopnicky’s and Friends made a decision to be proactive in raising funds and soliciting help from the community to improve Harrison Hills Park.

In less than four short years the Friends have revitalized and transformed Harrison Hills Park. Over 100 volunteers are registered to work on projects. From Cub and Boy Scouts to senior citizens, persons of every age and walk of life are participating in making a difference at Harrison Hills Park. And, Patrick says they only have begun to scratch the surface. They have 32 projects listed all the way to the year 2009, and the list is not all inclusive of what is needed. Some of these projects are completed, but there are many more to go.

Some of the major accomplishments have been clearing the Watts Overlook area and building an Overlook Deck, developing a trail map, blazes and trail head signs (there are 14 miles of seven trails), three benches on the trails, grove sign installation, bluebird nesting boxes, and scheduling park activities. Behind all this was a tremendous effort of time, labor and money by many persons and organizations. One of the major backers of the Friends of Harrison Hills Park has been the Allegheny Valley Chamber of Commerce, and its President, Mary Bowlin.

Many do not realize the hidden treasure at Harrison Hills Park. What may not be obvious to many is something we all take for granted: trees and birds. There are52 species of trees and over 170 species of birds. This alone attracts many persons who study the different character of these trees and wide array of birds that delight so many of us. This puts Harrison Hills Park up in the front as a place for environmental education.

Harrison Hills Park Map

Probably one of the more exciting plans involves an old farmhouse that was once used as the Park’s Superintendent quarters. The house is in excellent shape, but vacant. The Friends have proposed to establish an environmental learning center at the home that would host exhibits, meeting, and educational rooms. Patrick indicates that the plan is in process and will be realized in the near future.

There is no question that the Kopnicky’s are very passionate about Harrison Hills Park. Although they are outdoor enthusiasts and wanted to see change in the park, they went beyond their own interests and dedicated their time, energy and money to making change happen. Their enthusiasm, excitement and energy have set the fire under others to do the same. Although they probably consider the many things that yet need to be done, they and the Friends have already made significant accomplishments that have restored the region’s pride in Harrison Hills Parks. Their work is an example of true dedication in a community.

Patrick and Mardelle both grew up in the area and both graduated from Penn State. Patrick served a number of years of Fawn Township Planning Commission. Mardelle is a member of the Allegheny Valley Chamber of Commerce, YMCA Board, and with Patrick, AK Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association. They have one daughter, Aimee, also a graduate of Penn State and practicing as a medical doctor.

Patrick says that the Friends of Harrison Hills Park has matured to the place of seeking a non-profit organization status [501(c)3]. Currently the Highlands Community Education Fund (HCEF) receives financial gifts for the organization allowing those helping to list their donations as an exempt charity. Patrick said that checks are made out to “Friends of Harrison Park c/o HCEF”.

Public meeting for the friends group are held the first Wednesday of every month at the Allegheny Valley Library. The Friends also send out a newsletter and you can subscribe to by e-mailing Patrick at patrickkopnicky@comcast.net. The Friends are always seeking volunteers to help. You may also call Patrick at 724-224-4102 for further information.