FORS PROJECTS

FORS raises money to purchase equipment, make repairs and improvements to the property. Money is raised through various projects such as the gift shop and fundraising events.

Did you know that in 2023, we spent over $477,000 on various improvements, including the waterfalls project! Our budget for 2026 is $422,000 (and these funds are almost exhausted).

We thank you for your continued support and donations to help us keep our park beautiful!

Felburn Pavilion

The construction of this large multi-use pavilion was made possible in 1997 through a matching grant to FORS by the Felburn Foundation for Environmental Education. FORS provided funding in 2009 for rolldown side panels to extend the use of the pavilion.

Historic Gardens

In 1999, FORS began a long-term Partnership in Parks (PIP) project with the Florida

State Park Service to renovate the existing historic gardens of the park. This PIP

project provided a 60/40 matching grant of funds to FORS. The first phase of the

project involved developing a master garden plan. With the plan approved, FORS

moved forward to the second phase of the project and the actual renovation began.

The renovations goal was to help address the decline of water quality and the impact

of fertilizers and pesticides on the Rainbow River by demonstrating how native plants along with non-invasive ornamentals (such as existing azaleas and camellias) can provide an attractive garden area that attracts wildlife. The garden renovation was completed in 2009 with the construction of two garden kiosks, one along the main entrance walkway to the park and the second at the entrance of the gardens. In total, $300,000 in state grant funds and matching funds from FORS made the project possible.

Fundraising for the gardens continues today as we strive to keep thee areas from being reclaimed by Mother Nature. The invasive vines and unwelcome exotic plants are a continuous problem and require a regular maintenance schedule. FORS helps support the maintenance through the funding of a landscape contract.

Equipment

Below are some of the things FORS has purchased for the park. The profits from our gift shop make these purchases possible.

Friends of Rainbow Springs State Park, Inc., established in 1990, is a Florida Not For Profit corporation (EIN 59-3182934) and has been approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. All or part of your gift may be tax-deductible as a charitable contribution. Please check with your tax advisor. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free 800-435-7352 within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.