Friends of the Parks Announces Award Recipient

 
For Immediate Release
Contact: Temple Montanez
temple@krilecommunications.com
 
 

 
LANCASTER, Ohio – Local volunteer Mark Craiglow was recognized for his outstanding dedication to Lancaster Parks and Recreation and its programs when he received the 2026 Pearl of the Park Award during the annual meeting of Friends of the Lancaster Parks and Recreation in October.
 
Board President Mike Lieber presented the award, which is given annually to an individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty as a volunteer in support of Lancaster’s parks.
Craiglow was first recognized for his years of dedication preparing Lancaster’s ball fields for play. A retired City of Lancaster Gas Department employee, he has since become an instrumental part of the maple syrup program at Alley Park, earning an unofficial title as the program’s “maple tapping engineer.”
 
Over the past several years, Craiglow has dedicated countless hours to the program. This year alone, he logged more than 270 volunteer hours setting up maple lines, making repairs, collecting sap and overseeing the boiling process. His efforts resulted in five batches of maple syrup, producing approximately 12 gallons.
 
“Mark loves the Lancaster parks and has been an incredible volunteer,” according to his award nomination. “He embodies the spirit of the Pearl of the Park Award.”
 
The award is named in honor of Pearleene Reffit, the first recipient, who was recognized for her efforts in organizing and successfully passing a levy to support Lancaster’s city parks.
 
"Through his years of service, Mark Craiglow has demonstrated the dedication, generosity and community spirit that keep Lancaster’s parks thriving and make them special places for residents to enjoy," said Friends of the Parks President Mike Lieber. "We are very happy to be able to recognize him."