Volunteer Spotlight, Charlie & Barbara Mayes
Charlie and Barbara Mayes
Lafayette Blue Springs State Park
Charlie and Barbara Mayes have been working together as a team for a while now, and at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park their partnership helps them provide exemplary volunteer service.
Barbara grew up in Indianapolis and by 13 had moved to a rural area of Indiana, while Charlie grew up in southern Illinois. They eventually chose to volunteer at Florida State Parks because of the park system’s mission - to maintain and protect natural and cultural resources.
Barbara and Charlie have always loved the outdoors. Barbara enjoys the fresh air of early mornings, sunrise and sunset. She also enjoys the sounds of nature - gentle breezes in the treetops and the birds singing. Charlie also enjoys hearing (and seeing) the wildlife. Both say their favorite thing about the park is the peacefulness of it, particularly the spring and river which have become a place of serenity for them.
Although they are married, Barbara and Charlie don’t always agree. Her favorite season is autumn - the smells, blue skies, and perfect temperatures - while Charlie prefers the heat of summer. Barbara’s favorite part of volunteering is greeting and talking to people at the spring. Charlie likes working on projects in the park. Both are invaluable assets to Lafayette Blue Springs State Park, and we are lucky to have them here.