The Friends of Highlands Hammock State Park, Inc. (FOHHSP), is a not-for profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt citizen support organization (CSO) which supports Highlands Hammock State Park through fundraising and assisting park management in obtaining goals and objectives. The mission of the Friends is to promote a partnership between the local community and Highlands Hammock. The CSO also supports Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve State Park.
The Friends CSO is unique in operating the Hammock Inn Concession, which is responsible for the operation of park tram tours and VIP Kubota tours. The group also conducts an ambitious Music in the Park concert series, 5K runs and the firefly nights tram tours. These annual fundraisers provide support for park maintenance and resource management projects as well as educational programs, special events and other visitor services.
In the early 1990s, Sebring resident and CPA J. Richard Brown of Wicks, Brown, Williams & Company and then Park Manager Peter Anderson pursued the creation of a nonprofit organization to provide a source of financial support and increase community involvement. One of the founders serves as an honorary board member.
FOHHSP is notable for receiving a number of awards from the Florida State Parks Foundation and grants from the Florida Humanities. As Highlands Hammock is now in its 90th year, the board celebrates this milestone anniversary and extends a warm welcome to new members and volunteers in service of Florida’s oldest state park.
