ARIZONA STATE PARKS FOUNDATION

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Suzanne Pfister, B.J. Communications

602-277-9530 x 232

 

State Parks Foundation Established

Statewide Board of Directors Formed to Support State Parks System

 

PHOENIX (Dec. 14, 2004) – The Arizona State Parks Foundation has been officially established, creating a statewide advocacy and fund-raising arm to support Arizona’s 30 state parks and natural areas.  The foundation recently received its non-profit designation from the Internal Revenue Service, and a distinguished statewide board of directors has been assembled to guide the organization.

Suzanne Pfister, former State Parks Board chairman and president of the new foundation said, “The Foundation will serve as a partner to the Arizona State Parks system, and will support these treasured places through education, community outreach and private contributions. We have an excellent board of directors who have joined together to help us achieve this noble mission.”

Other board members include:

Betsy Bolding - Tucson Electric Power                                  

Hon. Karan English – Northern Arizona University                

Celeste Hamilton – Parks & Recreation Advocate, Phoenix

Hon. Carl Kunasek - Retired Senate President

Frank Long - Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP

James Nelson – Wells Fargo, Tucson

Bill Roe - Civic Activist, Tucson

Richard Saenz - Arizona Diamondbacks

Richard Sims - Sharlot Hall Museum, Prescott

Ken Travous - Ex-Officio, Arizona State Parks Director

     There are state parks throughout Arizona, including the world-renown Kartchner Caverns State Park, Pichaco Peak, Tombstone Courthouse, Tonto Natural Bridge, Slide Rock and several along the Colorado River.  The Foundation’s goal will be to enhance educational programs at the parks, ensure that state elected officials understand the important value these parks add to the state, and help improve the quality of the parks for all visitors.

About Arizona State Parks

Under the direction of the Arizona State Parks Board, parks staff operate 30 State Parks and natural areas which provide recreational amenities and interpretive programs to 2.5 million visitors annually.  With the help of several advisory committees, the Board also distributes approximately $31 million in financial grants annually to both governments and nonprofit entities.  The agency also houses the State Historic Preservation Office and coordinates recreational trails programs for motorized and non-motorized trails.  In addition, the agency coordinates statewide resource planning, public involvement and educational opportunities through a wide variety of partnerships.