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Staff Spotlight: Mike Kuzar

January 26th, 2023 Staff Spotlights

 

While deployed in Iraq with the Pennsylvania National Guard, Park Manager Mike Kuzar reflected on special aspects of his home state.  

“I realized how much I missed the natural beauty of Pennsylvania, going on hikes, bike rides, and walking my dog through its parks,” he says. “We’re lucky to have a state park within 25 miles of every resident in Pennsylvania.” 

Following his military service, Mike enrolled in a park management program at Slippery Rock University. This led him to gain valuable exposure to varied park locations across the U.S. through internships and summer work experiences. After college, he worked full-time for nearly five years as a ranger at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.  

Returning to Pennsylvania, Mike joined the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) in the Park Operations & Maintenance Division of the Bureau of State Parks. On Valentine’s Day 2022, he was promoted to Park Manager at Washington Crossing Historic Park – a fitting date for someone who has such a love for the outdoors.  

Regular community use of the park is a given due to its location. Yet, in addition to welcoming the locals, Mike often meets visitors from around the world thanks to the park’s close proximity to Philadelphia and its historic tie-in with the American Revolution. 

“It pleases all of us on staff when we hear favorable comments from our visitors about how well the park is cared for,” Mike says. “This is completely due to the dedication of every employee and volunteer who work here.”