Friends of Roxborough State Park
Founded in 1994 when fate brought together a group of volunteers dedicated to defending and preserving land at Roxborough’s borders, the Friends of Roxborough State Park is dedicated on protecting and preserving this amazing natural resource.
Founded in 1994 by a group of volunteers…
…working to protect the Park’s boundary from residential development, the Friends of Roxborough State Park have worked tirelessly to protect the Park and enhance the visitor experience. The Friends participated in other key Park acquisitions including South Stonehenge, Goodwin Ranch, and the Douglas County Open Space acquisition of the Nelson Ranch. The Friends have raised over $500,000 for land purchases since 1994 to help bring it to the current size of over 3,400 acres!
Through hard work and the our love of this incredibly special park, Friends of Roxborough State Park support funding for strategic initiatives to help make the visitor experience to Roxborough as educational, accessible, and unforgettable as possible.
Our mission
✓ Educate the public
✓ Enhance the visitor experience
✓ Support future strategic land acquisitions
Learn More About Our Key Achievements
In 1994 a housing development threatened to build right up to the park’s borders, the Friends of Roxborough State Park was born to fight back.
From 1904 to 1918, Henry Persse shared the beauty of Roxborough with all who journeyed here. Today, this legacy remains as a centerpiece for interpretive programs.
To help make the park more accessible for guests of all ages and ability levels, the Friends helped organize the funding for the Rox Ride, which takes guests on guided tours around Fountain Valley Trail.
When large groups or events take place in the summertime heat, the shade sail provides cooling relief from the heat. The Friends of Roxborough State Park organized the effort to purchase and install this equipment.
Key Projects and Accomplishments Through the Years
1990s
Land Acquisition
- Southdowns acquisition 625 acres ($100k)
- South Stonehenge acquisition ($125k)
- Various housing lot purchases
- Contribution to Douglas County for Nelson Ranch
2000s
Expanding Park Capabilities
- Rox Ride purchase
- Persse Place heating and cook stone
- Volunteer Naturalist training
- Support for teacher workshops
2010s
Supporting Growth
- Sundial refurbishment
- Goodwin Waterfall acquistion ($100k)
- Leave No Trace — continuing support of training programs,
educational materials, annual membership dues - Bear-proof recycle & trash receptacles
- Rox Ride—vehicle purchase ($13k)
- Purchase of trail/game cameras to help park staff track wildlife health and movement within the park
- Monthly trail use reporting, purchase of trail monitoring equipment and monthly support downloading/tracking data.
2020s
One-of-a-kind Additions
- Shade Sail canopy covering Visitor Center patio area ($42K in 2021)
- Panoramic interpretive signs for South Rim Trail summit
- Willow Creek Falls Overlook
- Volunteer Legacy Garden construction ($23k).
- Visitor Center auditorium AV system
($4k) - Purchase of memorial benches & plaques (14 total since 2022), picnic
tables (2019 & 2021) - Repairs to Persse Place doors & windows
Most Recent Project
National Natural Landmark Plaque
Roxborough State Park was given the designation of a National Natural Landmark in April 1980, citing the Park’s “nationally significant example of the Nation’s natural heritage.” Specifically, the park is identified as an excellent example of tilted faulted sedimentary strata containing atypical occurrences of at least two Front Range plant communities.
To help ensure that visitors recognize this designation, the Friends of Roxborough State Park collaborated with Park Staff to procure a metal plaque from the National Park Service commemorating the location. The plaque is prominently mounted on a stone display near the Park’s flagpole for all to enjoy.
Upcoming Projects
We Need Your Help!
Educational Pavillion
Covered pavilion to be installed north of the Visitor Center to allow for hosting school groups and educational programs in a dedicated and sheltered will allow volunteers and staff to better serve students.
Roxborough History Documentation
Effort to combine documentation of State Park history dating from archaeological records though land acquision records, to modern park practices and events.
Persse Place Solar Power Installation
Installation of standalone solar panels on site at the Persse Place to help provide for renewable energy on site to help run interpretive programs and better serve park visitors.
Visitor Center Timeline and Mural Display
Refresh of visual displays in the Visitor Center to help educate park visitors about the park history and geology.
New and Renewed Interpretive Signage
Updates to many of the signs throughout the park are badly needed to aging and sun damage. Help us revitalize our park signage with new information to help visitors better understand and enjoy their surroundings!
Join the Friends of Roxborough State Park
We’d love to get in touch with you about how you can help US enhance the visitor experience.
Meet the Board
The Friends of Roxborough State Park’s Board of Directors consists of a handful of dedicated individuals who manage our organization’s activities and help to promote additional outreach with the community, organie events, and collect donations to help us accomplish our goals. The positions within the organization are as follows:
- Chairperson & Executive Director
- Vice Chairperson
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- Members at Large