Friends of Ridgway State Park
By Dennis Moyer, President

The Friends of Ridgway State Park (FRSP) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1996 to support the park. It is made up of both local and seasonal residents who have a common interest in promoting and maintaining the park in order to “preserve Ridgway State Park for future generations,” as stated in our mission statement.  Through the membership of Friends, we capitalize on an impressive pool of talent and enthusiasm, dedicating up to 10,000 hours per year working on behalf of Ridgway State Park.

There are many ways to get involved at Ridgway State Park through the Friends organization.  In addition to environmental and educational programs, we are also involved in the following:

• Tree planting
• Trail maintenance
• Campsite shelter and tent pad construction
• Staffing "Friends" booths at various art shows and other local venues
• Monitoring the bluebird house trail
• Beautification projects including maintaining the park’s many flower beds
• Highway Cleanups
• Other construction projects as needed by the park

Our primary sources of revenue include the following:

• Annual membership dues
• Sales of t-shirts, caps and pins at the park’s
• Visitor Center and at special events
• Firewood and ice sales in the park’s campgrounds
• Donation of items for sale at a popular Ridgway garage sale event held twice annually
• Annual wine tasting benefit event in Ouray
• Donation Box at the park’s Visitor Center

In 2006, we initiated a “Tree Memorial Program” and have planted two trees thus far in memory of deceased Friends of Ridgway State Park.  This has been an exciting new project for us.

As you can see, we are a busy organization, but we do have a lot of fun together and enjoy the work that we do.  Our greatest reward is volunteering in such a beautiful setting as Ridgway State Park.  Come join us.  We may be reached by contacting the Volunteer Coordinator with Ridgway State Park, at 970-626-5822.