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Events

The FPSRA mission is supporting the Florida Park Service, while striving to perpetuate the FPS family atmosphere and provide assistance to past and present staff in need.  Our vision is to perpetuate the close family atmosphere of the Florida Park Service. Family is very important to us and we host two large events a year to promote the FPS family. We also have other meetups (Rendevous) and service projects. Below are our upcoming gatherings. Find one (or more) that suits your interest and location and we'll see you there!

Upcoming events

  • Service Project - Rainbow Springs

    • October 19, 2026
    • October 22, 2026
    • Rainbow Springs State Park
    Register



    This three-day event is an opportunity to offer some assistance to the park while also having an opportunity for fellowship and experience the park.

    The service project will entail the removal of chain link fence located near the headspring making way for better access to the river.  The fence is a remanent from the days it was a privately operated roadside attraction and thus is considered a cultural resource.  The project is pending approval from the Florida Division of Historical Resources

    Join us for the day or stay overnight.

    CAMPING

    A limited number of full-service campsites have been blocked in the regular campground.  Additional space for boondock camping will be available at the tubing area which will be closed for the season.   Water is available to fill your holding tank and restrooms are available.  Showers are available in the regular campground.  There is a limited supply of power outlets.  Generators are allowed. Email Sandy Cook at  Sandy.FPSRA@Gmail.com for camping or event information.


    TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

    • Monday, October 19 – 6:30ish Pot-Luck Dinner, campground
    • Tuesday, October 20 – 9:00 am Meet at headsprings for service project. Lunch provided by the Friends of Rainbow Springs CSO. 
    • Dinner at Swampy’s Bar & Grille. Time TBD.
    • Wednesday, October 21 – 9:00 am Continue service project.  Hopefully project will wrap up by noon.  Lunch on your own.
    • Dinner at Lollygaggers Sports Pub and Grill. Time TBD.

    Potential afternoon activities

    • Take a swim in the Rainbow.  Some people claim the waters have healing powers, maybe just what is needed after the workday.   
    • Canoe or kayak upriver, from the Campground to the Headsprings and back.  Bring your own vessel or rent from the Campground Store.  Approximately 1.5 hour trip, the current is only 1.5 miles per hour. No shuttle available.
    • Afternoon or early evening walk around the headspring lead by FPSRA Board member Thea Knott

    The park has three separate locations divided by private property. The addresses are:

    • Headsprings Day Use Area, 19158 SW 81st Place Road, Dunnellon FL 34432
    • Campground, 18185 SW 94th St, Dunnellon FL 34432. Be sure you have the gate code, the gate is closed at all times.
    • Tubing, 10830 SW 180th Ave. Road, Dunnellon FL 34432
    Show details

  • FPS Reunion and Family Fun Day - 2026

    • November 06, 2026
    • November 07, 2026
    • Wekiwa Springs State Park
    Register


    You and your family are invited to join us for some fun and fellowship dedicated to the men and women who continue to make the Florida Park Service the best state park system in the country. The event is a joint effort between the FPS Ranger Association and the Florida Park Service to provide a fun, relaxing, and affordable weekend for park service staff and their families.  

    This event is for current and past FPS staff, families, and guests. It is not open to the general public. 


    The “FPS Reunion & Family Fun Day” includes activities for all ages and plenty of time to visit with old and new friends.  

    Registration: The registration fee includes meals, activities, and overnight accommodations in one of the rustic cabins or a campsite for Friday & Saturday. 

    • Early registration is $15 for each Adult (paid by October 25th). 
    • Registration after October 25th is $20 for each Adult.  
    • Children under age 18 are free.  

    Friday

    9:00 am - Service Project - re-deck ramp at Admin. 

    3:00 pm - Board Meeting

    4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Registration, Rec Hall

    6:00 pm - Welcome and Potluck Dinner - Bring a dish to share. Plates, Forks, Cups, and tea will be provided.  NOTE: We do not have access to kitchen so bring prepared food. Perishable dishes can not be left in building.  

    7:30 pm - Tram Ride 

    Saturday

    7:00 am - Coffee for the early birds

    8:00 am - 9:30 am Breakfast

    9:30 am - 5:00 pm   Activities - bird house making, walking stick carving, camp cooking skills, kids auction, canoeing/kayaking and bike rides.

    Equipment rentals sponsored by Wekiwa Springs Adventures

    12 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch

    6:00 pm - Dinner - Sponsored by Guest Services

    7:00 pm - Music Jam Session (bring your instruments)

    To reserve a CAMPSITE email Sandy Cook at Sandy.FPSRA@Gmail.com

    Include FFD Campsite in the subject line.  Provide the size of your camping rig and what nights you plan to camp.

    DEADLINE for reserving campsite Oct 25th.

     

    To reserve a CABIN email Sandy Cook at  Sandy.FPSRA@Gmail.com

    Include FFD Cabin in the subject line. Provide the number in your group/family and any special needs. 

    Saturday Only: Come for the whole weekend or just for the day, but please remember to register.

    JOIN US AS WE HELP MAINTAIN THE FPS FAMILY CULTURE!

    We appreciate the support and partnership!

    Show details

  • Ranger Rendezvous - Collier Seminole

    • February 17, 2027
    • February 24, 2027
    • Collier Seminole State Park


    Campsites have been blocked.

    Email Sandy.FPSRA@Gmail.com to request a site

    More details coming

    Show details

  • 2027 Annual Gathering

    • April 09, 2027
    • 5:00 PM
    • April 10, 2027
    • 8:00 AM
    • Topsail Hill Preserve State Park


    More details coming

    Join us for Fun & Fellowship!

    Lake Louisa TrailsThe Florida Park Service Ranger Association will gather at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park for our Annual Gathering. We encourage everyone to reach out to folks who haven’t attended a gathering in a while and to reconnect with their FPS family.  Our General Business meeting will discuss the status of the Association and the plans we have for the coming year. 

    The Arnold Kuenzler & Family Auction, started in the 1990s, is named for Arnold, Aggie & Kim who donated countless hand-crafted objects through the years. Hand-crafted objects and collectibles are still donated each year and serve as one of the major fundraisers for the Ranger Association’s James A. Cook Humanitarian Relief Fund which directly benefits past and present FPS staff.  The Auction also serves as great entertainment. Arnold served as our entertaining Auctioneer for many years and the tradition continues with today's Auctioneers generating a lot of laughs. 

    You don’t have to be a member to attend but once you see what good deeds the organization performs you will want to join.

    Overnight Accommodations

    Contact Sandy Cook - Info coming soon.

    Program

    Friday, April 9

    10:00 am - Field trip

    3:00 pm - FPSRA Board Meeting

    6:00 pm - Pot Luck Dinner - Bring a dish to share.  Beverages, plates, and utensils will be provided, however, feel free to bring your non-disposable plates and utensils).

     Saturday, April 10

    9:00 am - Registration & get re-acquainted - Coffee & light breakfast.

    9:30 am - Annual Business Meeting

    12:00 pm - 1:30 pm - Lunch & visiting , (Please let us know if you have dietary restrictions) Silent Auction begins.


    2:00 pm - FPSRA Awards Presentation

    2:30 pm – Silent Auction Ends

    3:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Arnold Kuenzler and Family Annual Auction 

    6:00 pm - Dinner (Please let us know if you have dietary restrictions)

    7:00 pm – Catching up with old friends, Campfire, visiting & music

    Additional Event Information

    If you have FPS objects, photos, or documents you would like to share or donate to the FPS Collections facility please bring them along.


    If you need special accommodations or have dietary restrictions or preferences please let us know in advance.

    Show details

  • Ranger Rendezvous - Gamble Rogers

    • September 14, 2027
    • September 21, 2027
    • Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area

    Ranger Rendezvous

    Sept 14 -21, 2027

    Gamble Rogers Memorial

    State Recreation Area

    Campsites will be available 

    SAVE THE DATE


    Show details

Mission - Supporting those who serve Florida State Parks, past and present, by providing financial assistance, cultivating a family atmosphere, and perpetuating a spirit of unity and service. 

Vision - Supporting those who serve Florida's State Parks

Motto - Family, Service, Traditions

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