In 1987, fans of De Leon Springs State Recreation Area joined to form a Citizens’ Support Organization known as Friends of De Leon Springs State Park, Inc. The Friends of De Leon Springs State Park operates under a written agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Our role is to encourage historical, educational and ecological enhancement within the park. The Friends’ role
is to support the park and to provide supplemental funding for purchasing equipment, making improvements to buildings, developing exhibits, and providing enhancements that improve the visitors’ experience (see list below). We work with other organizations, such as the De Leon Springs Garden Club, to build a shelter for large artifacts and to maintain the Butterfly Garden. Assistance was also provided to the Florida Trails Association to develop the Wild Persimmon Trail, a four mile hiking trail. It features displays of artifacts found in and around the spring, as well as exhibits and DVD presentations interpreting the park’s 6,000 year history and its natural resources. In 2007, the Visitor Center renovation project was awarded the statewide CSO Project of the Year. We sponsor several special events at the park, including the Kids’ Cane Pole Fishing Tournament, and the Day in Florida History, the Haunted Trails at Halloween, and the Spring Festival. Your Donation Dollars at Work
Visitor Center and Conference Room
Murals and Exhibits
Restoration of Fireplace
A/C in Conference Room
Tables and Chairs
Kitchen Equipment and Appliances
Park Enhancements
Roof over Pavilion
Hand Dryers in Restrooms
Ceiling Fans in Pavilion
Sugar Mill Interpretive Kiosk
Snake ID Kiosk
Interpretive Signs and Panels
Billboard Mural
Benches
Landscaping
Roof over Sugar Mill Machinery
Butterfly Garden
Magnolia Trees
Playground Equipment
Swimming Area Floats
Cigarette Urns
Park Equipment
Electric Cart
Self-Propelled Mower
Laptop Computer
LED Projector
Utility Trailer
Office Furniture
Computer Monitor
Sponsored Park Events
A Day in Florida History----over 20 years! Quarterly Meetings with Demonstrations and Music
Spring Festival (Classic cars, music) and Big Yard Sale
Kids’ Cane Pole Fishing Tournament
Haunted Trails (Halloween)
