Over the years, we have seen the cost of many things park related go up dramatically. This, along with the increased visitation since 2020, has caused park managers to critically think about what things we put our limited operating budget into. The higher costs of keeping employees, stocking toilet paper, fueling our vehicles and other essential items do not leave much money on the table for other items that we really
should be purchasing.

One aspect of park operations that I have been putting on the back burner was replacing our aging interpretive signs at Rifle Falls State Park. The waterfalls at Rifle Falls State Park, draw people from around the nation and beyond. With so many people not from the area, it is important for us to be able to tell the story of the local natural resources. It is hard to do that with faded, outdated or missing signs.

Similarly, nearby Rifle Gap was also in need of interpretive signage. A couple of years ago several new trails were added to Rifle Gap. Ever since the trails were put in, I had wanted to add interpretive signs but was unable to do so. Until now, Rifle Gap had only a couple of informational signs, which has been a missed opportunity for us.

When I was contacted by Colorado Parks Foundation and they said they wanted to give me money for Rifle Gap and Rifle Falls, it sounded too good to be true. CPF was very easy to work with and patient with me throughout the entire process.

We are so very grateful for the generosity of Colorado Parks Foundation. They have given us opportunities to connect with our visitors and create a more rewarding experience while recreating within our trail systems.