2025 Annual Gathering

Join us for Fun & Fellowship!

The 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 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

Cabins are available for up to three nights (April 3-6).  The cabins are two bedroom so it's a great opportunity to invite a FPS friend along.

Campsites - A limited number of campsites are available for extended stays (Mar 31 - April 7).  When registering select the number of nights you plan to camp.  Registration this year includes the option to pay for your registration fee and cabin or campsite.  Once you have registered you will receive an email confirming your assigned cabin or campsite.

Program

Friday, April 4

10:00 am Uplands Restoration Tram Tour (limited seating) We will take a tram ride to see the great restoration work accomplished at Lake Louisa.  Some of you may remember it being an orange grove. Retired FPS Biologist will tell us about the work that has been and continues to be accomplished. 

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). Due to limited storage space we ask that you not leave your food item after dinner.

 Saturday, April 5

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 - Park Ranger of the Year and FPSRA Awards Presentation

2:30 pm – Silent Auction Ends

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

6:00 pm - Barbeque 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.