Activities
What Friends do for Franklin County State Parks
The Friends support Franklin County State Parks by assisting with work projects, sponsoring events like Coffee with a Ranger and the John Gorrie Ice Days, and promoting accessibility with sand-friendly wheelchairs. Funds are raised to supplement state budgets, with all money staying in the parks to enhance visitor experiences.
The Friends of Franklin County State Parks supports our parks and enhances the visitors’ experience. Examples of projects supported by the Friends:
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
- Helped build 20-station fitness trail
- Purchased 5 beach cruisers (electric wheelchairs)
- Provided lumber and materials to build 20 hammock camping sites
- Funded materials for nature trail expansion-boardwalks and footbridges
- Purchased stainless-steel grills for the beach use areas
John Gorrie Museum State Park
- Restored portrait of John Gorrie
- Paid for restoration of 2 two antique refrigerators
- Framed John Gorrie’s Last Will and Testament
- Assisted with John Gorrie Days special events including purchasing ice blocks for carving demonstrations
- Provided commemorative plaque for John Gorrie in Florida Inventors Hall of Fame
Orman House Historic State Park including Chapman Botanical Garden and Three Servicemen Statue South
- Reupholstered three Orman family chairs
- Built Gazebo over Orman family well
- Facilitated Orman kitchen project with the help of state and private donations
- Purchased two 30’ flag poles for Orman House grounds
- Provided blinds & carpet runners in the Orman House
- Funded engraved wooden signs for Chapman Botanical Garden (CBG) and the Orman House
