Mark Madsen loved the Colorado outdoors and grew up spending countless hours hiking and biking with his sons in the area of what is now Staunton State Park. One night in April 2001, Mark rolled his car when he swerved to avoid hitting a deer. As a result of this devastating accident, Mark was left a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the neck down. In spite of his disability, Mark continued to spend time at his mountain cabin by Lions Head whenever he could.

In the summer of 2014, the year after Staunton State Park officially opened, Mark was again able to enjoy many of his favorite places with the help of a track chair borrowed from Craig Hospital. Sadly, Mark passed away in his cabin on August 10, 2015.

With the support of the Madsen family, Friends of Staunton State Park has established the Mark Madsen Accessibility Fund to help make the park accessible for persons with disabilities. So far enough funds have been raised to purchase three $13,000 track chairs, enabling over 150 visitors with disabilities to "hike" Staunton State Park with friends and family in 2017 and 2018.

Join us for a fundraising BBQ on August 11, 2018 where all proceeds will go to support the Staunton Track-Chair Program, ensuring access for all to the great outdoors! If you can't make it to the BBQ but would like to help support the program, you may donate online through our secure website here: http://www.friendsofstauntonstatepark.org/event-mark-madsen-accessibility-day or by mailing a check to the Friends of Staunton State Park, PO Box 695, Pine CO 80470 and be sure to make a note that it's for the Mark Madsen Accessibility Celebration Fundraiser/Staunton Track Chair Program. Thank you so very much!

To learn more about Mark and his amazing life, visit his website http://www.midnightsunburstmusic.com/ or view the video of his last concert http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU7zVm9QnFU