This week on Around Town Podcast, Mayor Daniel Rickenmann welcomes a special guest, Karen Kustafik, the Assistant Superintendent for Environmental Services and critical figure in the City of Columbia Park Rangers' operations. Join us as we dive deep into an enlightening discussion about Columbia's beautiful rivers, rich natural resources, and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect them.

Karen shares her expert insights on the balance between preserving and using these shared spaces and implementing innovative strategies to conserve our local environment. We also explore the work of the City of Columbia Park Rangers, their commitment to safeguarding the integrity of our parks, and the role they play in fostering a sustainable future for Columbia.

Moreover, get a glimpse of what the future holds as we discuss the exciting future improvements for Columbia’s parks. From new facilities to enhanced accessibility and eco-friendly upgrades, learn about the city's ambitious plans to make our parks more inclusive, resilient, and enjoyable for all residents.

So whether you're an avid outdoors enthusiast, a concerned citizen, or someone who enjoys a stroll in the park, this episode promises to be an enriching exploration of how our community works together to maintain the vitality of Columbia’s natural treasures. Tune in for an engaging dialogue on the confluence of conservation, recreation, and community engagement in building a sustainable future for our city.