On Aug. 31, the Friends honored one of their own as they recognized Denson Groenendaal, of Huntingdon, with a Lifetime Achievement Award, during festivities for the Music on the Beach Summer Concert Series at the Huntingdon County state park.

Flanked by Greenwood Furnace State Park Manager Mike Dinsamore and Friends of the Greenwood Furnace State Park President Mike Rubano, Groenendaal was presented with honors with gratitude.

The plaque read: “In appreciation for over 20 years of dedicated and patient service to the Friends of Greenwood Furnace, Penn Roosevelt and Whipple Dam state parks.”

Groenendaal is a founding member from when the Friends formed in 2001. He serves as treasurer and has spearheaded several park improvement projects over the years, including the Friends pavilion at Greenwood Furnace, restoration of the charcoal wagon and the soon-to-be-installed playground at Greenwood Furnace. He has also led improvements at Whipple Dam.

Photo courtesy of DCNR The Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Denson Groenendaal.

Greenwood Furnace State Park covers 423-acre and is located near the historic iron-making center of Greenwood Furnace. The park includes the ghost town of Greenwood that grew up around the ironworks, old roads and charcoal hearths.

Greenwood Furnace State Park was chosen by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as one of “25 Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks.”