2023 ANNUAL GATHERING

The Florida Park Service Ranger Association will gather at Silver Springs State Park near Ocala to explore the park, spin some yarns, raise some money for the organization through the Arnold Kuenzler and Family Annual Auction, cover some necessary business and have a good time.  We are excited to host the second Park Ranger of the Year award presentation on April 1st and look forward to hosting the district awardees. 

Don’t forget to bring your items and your money for the auction.  Auction items should be new, handmade, or collectible items. This is one of the major fundraisers for the Ranger Association’s James A. Cook Humanitarian Relief Fund which directly benefits past and present FPS staff. 

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

Campsites are available for the FPSRA Annual Gathering.  Some campsites may be available for early arrival so come early to enjoy the park. Campsites ($24.00 @ night - 50% discount for Seniors. Cabins ($110 @ night) Standard Rates apply. Campsites will be held until March 24th and then will be released to the public. Sites may go quickly, so make your reservations ASAP.

Please contact Sandy Cook at Sandy.fpsra@gmail.com (preferred ) or (850) 926-5045  for campsite reservations  No more cabins are available

Program

Friday, March 31

All Friday activities will be near the Camping/Museum area of the park located at 1425 NE 58^th Ave Ocala FL 34470 

10:00 am to noon - 2-hour kayak trip. A guided loop paddle around Ross Allen Island (advance registration required - additional fee)

1:00 pm - Tram Ride – Meet at entrance to Sharpes Ferry campground (15 person max)

2:00 pm - Tram Ride – Meet at entrance to Sharpes Ferry campground (15 person max)

3:00 to 4:00 pm - Silver Springs Museum open for FPSRA members

3:00 pm - FPSRA Board Meeting at Environmental Ed. Center

6:00 pm - Pot Luck Dinner at the Pavilion near the Cracker Village adjacent to the Campground.  Bring a dish to share.  Beverages, plates, and utensils will be provided, however, feel free to bring your non-disposable plates and utensils).

Please feel free to bring your auction items to the potluck, especially if you have large items. 

7:30 pm - Campfire, visiting & music - Campsite # 13 

Saturday, April 1

All Saturday activities will be at the Silver Springs State Park Main Entrance - 5656 East Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala FL 34470.  Park at the large main parking lot, walk in under the archway and go to the Ticket Booth. Be prepared to show your Registration Confirmation email. Follow the signs to the Paradise Ballroom. The walk is about 1200 feet.  If you need mobility assistance please let us know.

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

9:30 am - Annual Business Meeting

11:30 am - Silent Auction begins.

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm - Lunch, visiting & Silent Auction. Film - Out of the Mist, A Silver River Story by Mark Emery

2:00 pm - Park Ranger of the Year and FPSRA Awards Presentation 

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

5:00 pm - 5:30 pm - Glass Bottom Boat Tour (Registration required)

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

7:30 pm - Campfire, visiting & music - Campsite # 13

If you have questions about the Annual Gathering please contact Sandy Cook, FPSRA Director of Events at Sandy.FPSRA@gmail.com or at (850) 926-5045.