The Friends have worked to contribute positively to Blue Mound State Park and continue to do so with the help of volunteers, local businesses, grants, and fundraising efforts. Current and past projects align with the Friends mission to improve the visitor experience in the park and preserve natural resources. Projects are undertaken after much deliberation and consideration to the overall impact of the park.
Past Activities & Contributions
- Solar panels on the Friends Shelter, entrance station, and maintenance shed
- Gneiss trail Phase 1 rebuild funding (a CORP mountain bike project)
- Bike repair stand
- New playground on top of the mound and in the campground
- Contributed significantly to the pool renovation project
- Built a 2400 square foot ADA accessible all-season shelter and learning center at the trailhead area of the park
- Candlelight ski events
- Annual trail run fundraiser
- Annual Horribly Hilly Hundreds Bike Event fundraiser
- Interpretive signs
- Educational programs
- Prairie/savanna clean-up
- Invasive species control
- Ski trail grooming and equipment
- Trail maintenance and improvement
- Support for Eagle Scout projects at the park, including the Eyeshine project, kiosk renovation, color coded ski trail signs, and emergency equipment shed.
- Wood splitting for firewood sales to campers
- Exhibits in the park nature center
- Built an accessible campground cabin
- Park entrance sign
