Dec. 21 -- MIFFLINBURG -- If everything goes according to plan, the hard work of Karen Musser will be realized in 2025.
Musser, a lifelong resident of Mifflinburg, saw a problem in the borough: There was not a tot lot playground in Mifflinburg for young children between the ages of 2 and 5. She would take her grandchildren to neighboring municipalities and meet other Mifflinburg residents doing the same thing.
Instead of letting someone else handle the issue, Musser stepped up to tackle it head-on.
"It's not really my personality to walk away," Musser, the co-founder and president of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Mifflinburg Community Parks Actions Projects, said. "If you see a problem, you can't complain about it unless you're willing to be part of the solution. We needed to see if we could come up with a solution. There were ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds available. Somebody had to get those ARPA funds, so why not us?"
Musser was nominated as one of The Daily Item's People Who Made A Difference in the Valley in 2024. Musser, a retired high school educator who taught biology for nearly 30 years, has no previous experience writing grants, forming a nonprofit agency or handling budgets with hundreds of thousands of dollars in funds.
"I did the free DCNR (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) training for grant writing," Musser said. "I took copious notes. You would never be able to write these grants if you didn't do the training. When I say this is grassroots, I mean it's grassroots. It's been the biggest learning curve."
How it started
Musser said she was driving out of town two times a week to take her grandchildren to playgrounds better suited for their age. The Mifflinburg Community Park's playground is for older children ages 6 to 12 and installed in 1997.
"If we're in other communities, that's where we're getting lunch, picking up snacks, going grocery shopping, instead of spending that money here in Mifflinburg," Musser said.
Musser gathered like-minded individuals around her kitchen table, many of them former students. They formed Mifflinburg Community Parks and Action Projects (CPAP) and started the process.
Musser wrote the DCNR grant. She credits many others with helping along the way, including Bill Siegel, retired executive director of SEDA-Council of Governments; former student Julia Hummel, who helped write the grant and shared Musser's vision; Jeanette Musser, her sister-in-law, who has a business background; Kylie Ailey, an attorney with nonprofit expertise; and borough council and officials.
"One thing I want to stress, is the borough took a chance on us and allowed us to become a part of this process," Musser said. "Forming that partnership is really important going forward."
Close to the finish line
The $400,000 project is paid for through ARPA funds, grants through the state Department of Community and Economic Development and local matches from businesses. Organizations like Playworld, Idding's Quarry, Gutelius Excavating and Willow Playworks also contributed.
In spring 2025, general contractor Willow Playworks will organize a community build day where volunteers from the community are invited to lend a hand installing the equipment.
"It allows people to feel invested in this playground," Musser said. "It allows for a sense of pride. Small towns especially, you have to feel like you're doing something to help your community."
The playground will have a safety surface, two large climbing pieces with slides, a climbing dome, a three-piece musical instrument section, a train house, a play house, an Around the Bend structure with handrails, a merry-go-round, swings and a four-person seesaw. Much of the equipment is handicapped-accessible.
Musser said she learned the importance of teamwork, the importance of open communication, perseverance and patience.
Other activities
Musser and Mifflinburg CPAP were also part of the grant writing process for the borough's park master plan. The organization also holds fundraisers, back-to-school events, an annual Duck Derby, was instrumental in bringing pickleball to the community and helped form a cycling club in Mifflinburg called Pedals & Pints. Musser is also a volunteer for the Mifflinburg-based nonprofit organization that hosts camps for grieving children.
"That's one of the most humbling things I've ever done," she said.
"After 28 years of supporting students in their academic and personal growth, Karen continues to work to make a difference in the lives of people in the community," Morgan said. "Karen is the creator and president of Mifflinburg CPAP. The goal of CPAP is to '... transform our parks into safe, attractive spaces that promote recreational and social opportunities for all ages.'"
In partnership with the schools, the Summer Send-Off includes free activities for the students such as bounce houses and blow-ups sponsored by local businesses, live music, food vendors, track and field events and $1 to $2 games where students can win prizes. Participating students receive a pencil case with school supplies, Morgan said.
"Along with CPAP Karen volunteers with Camp Koala," she said. "When there's a death in the community affecting students, Karen supports students in the schools, listening and providing support when they need to talk. She also helps with weekend camps and Camp Koala activities that support grieving kids. According to her daughter, talking with middle and high school students is 'where her heart is.'
As a high school teacher, Karen made a difference with her students in and outside of school, Morgan said.
"Several issues of the high school yearbook were dedicated to her, a testament to the respect and affection her students had for her," she said. "She coached AYSO soccer and softball. One of her students, Emily Morgan, attributes her decision to pursue a career as a high school biology teacher in part to Karen's enthusiasm for science and her excellence as a teacher. After Emily had taught for several years in Danville, she was able to collaborate with Karen and share some of her teaching strategies with her former mentor. She's always open to learning new ways to help her students."
Morgan said Musser watchers her grandson every day while her daughter, Taylor, is at work.
"And what does Taylor do? She's the Dean of Students at Mifflinburg Elementary and Intermediate schools," Morgan said. "Karen's love of teaching and making a difference for others lives on with her daughter.
"Where many people would retire after almost 30 years of teaching and enjoy their 'golden years,' Karen continues to look for ways to give back to her community. Her efforts continue to "make a difference" for children and adults in the Mifflinburg area and beyond."