The Friends of Wasatch (The Friends) roots began with a group of residents engaging in raising funds to save the Tate Barn before the 2002 Olympics. From there, The Friends organized to become a non-profit and broaden fund raising to support Wasatch Mountain State Park (the Park) projects. The Park is a gem in Heber Valley and has enhanced lives in our community and for visitors for over 50 years. The Park is almost 23,000 acres of recreational opportunities and facilities, and it takes more than state funding for the Park to continue as a Heber Valley gem for generations to come.
The Friends’ Board works with the Park staff to agree on projects and events that need funding contributions and are win-win for the park, our community, and visitors. The Friends raise funds through memberships/sponsorships, donations, and fund raising events. The Friends’ members and supporters are primarily Wasatch Back residents (full or part-time), but we welcome donations and support from broader Utah or out of state visitors. Joining The Friends provides a great way to join and meet a community of like-minded residents who enjoy recreating in the Park, using the Park’s facilities, and want the Park to thrive.
Many of the members and supporters of The Friends volunteer at the Park in various roles. The Park has a very lean staff and volunteers are critical to the day-to-day running of the Park, such as helping at park events, maintaining trails and campgrounds, staffing the Visitor Center, and supporting the golf courses. The volunteers receive no compensation, they just love the Park and want it to be the best gem it can be.