“The Friends of Fort Boggy State Park” received the “2020 Distinguished Friends Group Award” at the Texans For State Parks Conference held last weekend at Fort Parker State Park. This was the first conference to be held since being postponed due to Covid in 2020 and 2021. Members present to receive the award were: Jim and Susan Balthrop, Mike Anderson and Betty Heffler. The Friends Group has worked hard during the past ten years to bring the Park and community together, in an effort that “Connects Youth and Families to the Outdoors” and stimulates the local economy.
The Friends Group has developed a network of community sponsors, and volunteers, to assist in new programs/activities, to meet the needs of the Park. The Friends Group has been able over the years to purchase: furniture/ appliances for all of the cabins, provide a utility trailer and lawn equipment during budget cuts. The Friends Group assisted in the development of the “Annual Kid Fish Program”, providing the Park with an enclosed trailer with everything necessary for the program. Annually the Friends Group purchases rainbow trout for “Kid Fish” and the community. They also provide supplies for the Park Interpreter’s weekly educational programs. The latest contribution to the Park through the Friends Group, is a swimming platform for summer activities. Fort Boggy recently added a kayak rental program for visitors. To learn more about activities at the Park, visit their facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/FortBoggyStatePark or Texas Parks and Wildlife Department site at: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/fort-boggy/park_events. Lots of things will be happening at all State Parks across Texas in 2023, as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept., celebrate their 100th Birthday!
This Friends Group works closely with Fort Boggy State Park in developing community awareness. Through combined efforts, the Park’s attendance has increased to more than 20,000 + visitors annually. For the month of March 2022 Fort Boggy State Park received the “Texans for State Parks Over 1,000 Views Award” in recognition of having 1,582 views: https://www.facebook.com/TexansforStateParks/ Through the increased activities and programs available at the Park, young people and families of the community are becoming active members and officers of the Friends Group. Younger members of the Friends Group are stepping up to be leaders in the community and supporting Fort Boggy in its future development.
The Friends Group is continually seeking ways of: connecting youth and families to the great outdoors, promoting membership, increasing Park attendance/awareness, developing community support and volunteerism. The Friends Group goal is to build a solid foundation between the community and Fort Boggy State Park. Therefore, developing stewardship, preserving our natural and cultural resources, promoting economic development opportunities, for future generations. This foundation will make Fort Boggy State Park, the crown jewel of Leon County.
