Our Vision
Our vision is to support people, programs and organizations in South Fork and the San Luis Valley that benefit the community. We believe that by investing in our community, we are investing in the future of the generations that will follow us in the beautiful place.
Our Approach
As a philanthropic organization, our goal is to responsibly match community and corporate donations with the best possible recipients. These have included scholarships for local students, equipment for our first responders and support for other groups that directly benefit our community.
Our Impact
In 2026, we awarded five scholarships to local students. Our Legacy Project, Rickel Park, is one of the most tangible examples of our support of the South Fork community. We continue to look for ways we can positively impact our area and create lasting change.
Our Legacy Project - Rickel Park
The Rickel Park Ice Skating Rink and Basketball Court
Almost three years ago we launched our "Legacy Fund", which was to be used to build a permanent ice skating rink/basketball court complex at the largely vacant Rickel Park.
To date, we have completed the following:
- An ADA accessible walkway was constructed from the upper parking lot to the lower recreation area
- Concrete pad with water retention perimeter walls was poured, to be used for ice rink in the winter and basketball courts in summer
- Three basketball hoops have been installed with a fourth one on site and awaiting installation
- Adjacent ground was leveled to accommodate a Volleyball Court
- Large boulders were placed to surround the courts with an artistic, mountain-themed landscaping design
- Two, 10' by 14' gazebos are being constructed near the river with a walkway and a fire pit joining them. These gazebos will feature solar powered lights, outlets, and phone charging stations. These gazebos are on site and awaiting some ground preparation before they are constructed.
The South Fork Community Foundation is currently honoring donations of $1000 and above with an inscribed brick on the park pathway.