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.
These projects couldn’t be completed without generosity and assistance from grants, donors, and volunteers. Subscribe to the Friends quarterly newsletter to stay up to date on current projects and for more information about volunteer opportunities.
Current Projects
Upcoming Projects
- New woodshed construction
- Outdoor amphitheater updates
Past Activities & Contributions
- Park entrance sign
- Gneiss trail Phase 1 rebuild funding (a CORP mountain bike project)
- Bike repair stand
- Contributed significantly to the pool renovation project
- Solar panels on the Friends Shelter, entrance station, and maintenance shed
- 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
- New playground on top of the mound and in the campground
- Prairie/savanna clean-up
- Invasive species control
- Support for Eagle Scout projects at the park, including the Eyeshine project, kiosk renovation, color coded ski trail signs, and emergency equipment shed.
- Ski trail grooming and equipment
- Trail maintenance and improvement
- Wood splitting for firewood sales to campers
- Exhibits in the park nature center
- Built an accessible campground cabin
- Interpretive signs
- Educational programs
