Young Friends

The Young Friends of Forest Park Forever are a membership affinity group of young professionals who support the Park.

The Young Friends Board organizes opportunities to advocate, fundraise and volunteer.

Membership has its perks! Become a Young Friends member today and enjoy these benefits:

• Invitation to our annual member appreciation event

• Forest Park Forever Newsletter

• Discounted merchandise and I Love Forest Park 5K registration fee

• Forest Park Forever Member decal

• 25% off an annual locker room membership at the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center

• Coupon book for discounts at Park attractions

• Forest Park Forever sunglasses

Annual Events

Every year the Young Friends host a Trivia Night fundraiser in February and a Golf Tournament fundraiser in May. In addition to these two popular events, the group plans to host a third signature event in the Fall.

Volunteer Opportunities
Young Friends organize several volunteer opportunities throughout the year, including two Trash & Trails pickups, a meeting in the Park to pick up trash followed by a casual get-together. Young Friends also participate in the Park’s annual Invasive Species Removal Day each November.

How to Get Involved
There are three ways to get involved with the Young Friends of Forest Park Forever. You can submit an application to join the Young Friends Board, join a Young Friends Committee (Events, Golf, Membership), or become a Young Friends Member to attend events.

The Young Friends Board meets quarterly, and the Young Friends Committees meet on the last Thursday of every month.

For questions regarding Young Friends of Forest Park Forever or to get involved, please reach out to the Young Friends staff liaison, Caira Starnes. 

2024 Young Friends Board

Zack Bluestone, Chair
Chris Borders
Joe Burch
Maria Coxon
Joshua Dull
Allyson LeBlanc
Todd Mannion
Lia Nunez
Jen O'Neal
Jennifer O'Neal
Tim Schweiss
Dan Reilly
Steven Rose
Rebecca Thessen
Jerry Thomeczek
Mark Timmerman