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SERVICE  

One of the guiding principles of the Florida Park Service Ranger Association is service. There are many ways to serve, through volunteering at one of our events, at one of the many State Parks throughout Florida, and other opportunities. 

Upcoming events

  • Premier Halloween Ball! – Volunteers Needed!

    • October 26, 2024
    • 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
    • First Magnitude Brewing Company in Gainesville


    Volunteer for the Premier Halloween Ball!

    Join us at First Magnitude Brewing Company in Gainesville, Florida, for the ultimate Halloween celebration! This annual event draws hundreds of guests dressed in their spookiest and most stylish costumes. Co-hosted by the Florida Park Service Ranger Association, the Halloween Ball is not only a night of fun but also an important fundraiser, generating $3,000 to $4,000 from entrance donations and merchandise sales.

    What to Expect:

    • A rocking D.J. and dance floor!
    • Delicious food trucks.
    • An epic costume contest!
    • Our exclusive P.A.R.K. Ale is available for purchase.

    To make this event a success, we need volunteers! Whether you're in costume or not, your support will make a big difference—and if you'd like, you can grab a pint while you're there!

    For more information or to volunteer, email Donald Forgione, at donald@fpsra.org.

    Please help us make this year's Halloween Ball the best one yet!

    Show details

  • FPS Reunion and Family Fun Day - 2024

    • November 08, 2024
    • November 10, 2024
    • Gold Head Branch 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. Please note this year's Family Fun Day is at Gold Head Branch State Park.


    The “FPS Reunion & Family Fun Day” includes activities for all ages and plenty of time to visit with old and new friends.  Additional information will be provided at a later date.

    Registration: The registration fee includes meals, activities, and a campsite. 

    • Early registration is $15 for each Adult (paid by October 24th) and $5 for Children (ages 12 to 18) Children under 12 are free.  
    • Registration after October 24th is $20 for each Adult and $5 for Children (ages 12 to 18) Children under 12 are free.  

    Friday

    8:30 am - Workday

    3:00 pm Board Meeting-TBD

    3:00 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

    7:30 pm Tram Tour of the Park

    Saturday

    6:30 am Coffee for the early birds

    8:00 am - 9:30 am Breakfast

    9:30 am - 5:00 pm   Activities

    12 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch

    6:00 pm Dinner

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

    Sunday

    8:00 am - 9:00 am Light Breakfast

    Campsites: A limited number of campsites have been blocked for this special occasion.   

    To reserve a CAMPSITE email Sandy Cook, Sandy.FPSRA@gmail.com (please include FPS Family Fun Day in the subject line and provide the size of your camping rig). 

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

    Questions: Contact Sandy Cook at Sandy.FPSRA@gmail.com

    JOIN US AS WE HELP MAINTAIN THE FPS FAMILY CULTURE!

    Show details

  • Service Project: Re-Decking Boardwalk – Volunteers Needed!

    • January 07, 2025
    • January 10, 2025
    • DeLeon Springs State Park

    Service Project Announcement: Re-Decking Boardwalk at DeLeon Springs State Park

    We are excited to announce a service project at DeLeon Springs State Park, where we will be re-decking a 70-foot boardwalk that leads to the ancient cypress tree known as Old Methuselah. This project is being coordinated in collaboration with the Friends of DeLeon Springs State Park, who are providing supplies, and the Florida Park Service Ranger Association (FPSRA), who are assisting with labor.

    The boardwalk requires inspection of the pilings and replacement of the planks, which will be done using composite materials to ensure long-term durability.

    The tentative dates for this project are January 7th through the 10th, with overnight accommodations available at Tomoka State Park. Volunteers would travel from Tomoka to DeLeon Springs each day for the work.

    Contact Information: Kelli Akers

    Assistant Park Manager, DeLeon Springs State Park
    Email: Kelli.J.Akers@FloridaDEP.gov
     Cell: 386-804-4005

    We would be incredibly grateful for your consideration and support in making this project successful! 

    Show details

  • Ranger Rendezvous and Work Day - Sebastion

    • January 14, 2025
    • January 21, 2025
    • Sebastian Inlet State Park


    Ranger Rendezvous and Work Day

    Sebastion Inlet State Park

    January 14-21, 2025

    We are gathering at the park with plenty of options to join us for a day or the entire time. We are planning painting projects to help the park staff spruce up some of their buildings. All skill levels can participate. The park will be providing all necessary supplies and tools. Since we are going to be at the park for a week, there will be plenty of time for working and playing. 

    Come for whatever days you have time for...a couple of hours or the whole time!

    Contact: Contact Warren Poplin for additional details (407) 920-5407 wvpoplin@gmail.com

    Show details

  • Ranger Rendezvous and Workdays - St. George

    • March 01, 2025
    • March 09, 2025
    • St. George Island State Park


    Why: St. George Island State Park needs our help

    Details: We are gathering at the park with plenty of options to join us for a day or the entire time. There are several projects including prepping and painting 2 bathhouses, garden work, and general clean-up. All skill levels can participate. The park will be providing all necessary supplies and tools. Since we are going to be at the park for 9 days, there will be plenty of time for working and playing. 

    Come for whatever days you have time for...a couple of hours or the whole time!

    Contact: Contact Warren Poplin for additional details (407) 920-5407 wvpoplin@gmail.com

    Show details

  • 2025 Annual Gathering

    • April 04, 2025
    • 5:00 PM
    • April 06, 2025
    • 8:00 AM
    • Lake Louisa State Park


    Join us for Fun & Fellowship!

    Lake Louisa TrailsThe Florida Park Service Ranger Association will gather at Lake Louisa State Park near Clermont for our 36th 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. We are excited to host the fourth Park Ranger of the Year award presentation and look forward to hosting the district awardees. 

    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 that tradition continues. 

    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 - Info Coming Soon

    Program - Info Coming Soon

    Registration - Coming Soon

    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 and Work Day - Tallahassee

    • July 01, 2025
    • FPS Collections Facility - Lake Jackson


    Ranger Rendezvous and Work Day

    FPS Collections Facility

    Lake Jackson Mounds

    July (TBA) 2025


    More Info Coming


    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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