The Friends of Findley State Park, Inc. held a successful root beer float social on July 5, drawing over 100 attendees to raise funds for the park. Tricia Andel, the organization’s president, expressed optimism about their goals despite recent budget cuts affecting park operations.

The event took place from 1 to 3 p.m. beside the campground’s shelter house, which was built in 2002 with funds raised by the Friends. Each root beer float, sold for $2, was made with vanilla ice cream and root beer. The organization hosts root beer socials over Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends.

This year’s primary fundraising goal is to complete pickleball courts near the boat ramp within the camping area. The necessary concrete pad for the four-court setup was poured at the end of June, with a total project cost of approximately $16,000. The group received a $7,400 grant from the Lorain County Public Health’s Healthy Places grant program.

The next fundraising event, the Forest Frolic Trail Race and Hike, is set for July 12. Although the Friends of Findley started fundraising in 2002, they were officially established as a non-profit organization in 2004. Their mission focuses on building new attractions and preserving Findley State Park, which spans 838 acres of wooded land and features a large lake, providing opportunities for camping, boating, and hiking.

For more information on the Friends of Findley’s fundraising activities or to register for the Forest Frolic, visit www.friendsoffindley.org.