Donations allow us to continue to improve visitors experiences in our Staunton State Park
The Staunton State Park is the legacy of Frances H. Staunton whose parents were doctors and homesteaded the site around the turn of the century. Frances' mother, Dr. Rachael Staunton, treated the local population that needed care as well as patients with tuberculosis.
In 1918 the Staunton's acquired their first 80 acres as a homestead. They would build a number of structures over the next decade that would be used by recreationalists for years to come. Operating under the title "Lazy V Ranch" the Staunton's solicited camps for girls and boys, as well as families and large groups. The Staunton family provided guest accommodations to campers, families, and friends well into the 1980's.
In her will, drafted in 1961, Frances Staunton donated the ranch to the State of Colorado, to be preserved as an open space upon her death, for the public to enjoy. Frances died in 1989, and Colorado's Staunton State Park opened to the public in 2013. The Staunton Ranch grew to 1,720 acres and is not just the park's namesake, but is the heart of Staunton State Park.
Anticipating the opening of the park, Friends of Staunton State Park formed a 501(c)(3) charitable organization to help preserve the historical structures in the park for future generations to enjoy, promote year round recreational activities, and protect the natural beauty and wildlife of the land as Frances Staunton envisioned.
Your contribution helps the Friends of Staunton State Park fund many important projects and programs, with over 90% of each dollar raised being reinvested into the park.