Activities
What Friends do for Franklin County State Parks
The Friends support Franklin County State Parks by assisting with work projects, sponsoring events like 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. Here are some examples:
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
- 20 station fitness trail
- 5 beach cruisers (Electric wheelchairs)
- Lumber and materials to build 20 hammock camping opportunities
- Materials for nature trail expansion-boardwalks and footbridges
- Purchase of stainless-steel grills for the beach use areas
John Gorrie Museum State Park
- Gorrie portrait restoration
- Purchase of books and shirts for resale
- Paid for restoration of 2 antique refrigerators
- Framing of John Gorrie’s Last Will and Testament
- Assisted with John Gorrie Days special events including purchasing ice blocks for carving demonstrations
- Commemorative plaque for John Gorrie Florida Inventor’s Hall of Fame
Orman House Historic State Park, Chapman Botanical Gardens & Three Servicemen Memorial
- Reupholstered three Orman family chairs
- Gazebo over Orman family well
- Orman kitchen project assistance with the help of the state and private donations
- Two 30’ flag poles
- Blinds & Carpet runners
- Engraved wooden signs for Chapman Botanical Gardens (CBG) and the Orman House
- Planning grant for Servant’s Quarters
