Volunteer Spotlight, Ralph Reedy
Ralph Reedy
Fanning Springs State Park
Born in Virginia, Ralph Reedy moved to Tampa in 1955. He is so happy that he was raised in Florida as he could not imagine growing up anywhere else. One of his favorite things to do as a youngster, and still to this day, is fishing in fresh water, or if given the opportunity, offshore. One of Ralph’s earlier professions was a stunt car driver. He performed for guests at shows and traveled all over the United States and even to Puerto Rico nine months out of the year. Ralph says that if he had a dollar for every car that he crashed, he would have been able to retire sooner.
Ralph and wife Linda started their volunteer journey at Rainbow Springs State Park in 2016. Together their many years of camping experience helped prepare them for their positions as campground hosts. As year-round camp hosts, Ralph and Linda have found a home in three parks: Rainbow Springs, Nature Coast State Trail and Ralph’s favorite, Fanning Springs State Park.
Currently, Ralph is serving as the maintenance volunteer, doing everything from plumbing and carpentry and electrical to building signs and assisting staff with opening and closing the park. Ralph also enjoys talking with visitors about what makes the area and the head spring special. His skill and finesse with visitors were especially useful during the demolition and complete rebuilding of the park's observation deck that overlooks the sparkling spring. We appreciate all the work that Ralph does for us at Fanning Springs State Park.