DOUGLAS, WY — This morning, more than 25 volunteers—including Occidental employees, Converse County commissioners, parks and recreation board members, team members from The Great Outdoors Fund (TGOF), and others—gathered at Ayres Natural Bridge Park to put the finishing touches on a major infrastructure enhancement project. The project was funded by Converse County and a donation from Occidental and facilitated by TGOF. The effort brings much-needed upgrades to one of Wyoming’s most treasured natural landmarks.
Since June 4, various crews have replaced the park’s aging underground sprinkler system, assembled a new playground and teeter-totter, set concrete posts for picnic grills, and installed a new group firepit. Today, crews put the finishing touches on the playground, mounted the grills, and completed the ADA-compliant pathway and picnic area. New trash receptacles have also been placed throughout the park.
“This isn’t just a park upgrade—it represents our promise to the communities where we live and work,” said Jason Sevin, Rockies Business Unit President & General Manager, Occidental. “We want to be known in Wyoming as the best operator — but we want our legacy to be about our relationships, responsibility and respect for the land. By investing in Ayres Natural Bridge Park, we’re demonstrating our commitment to environmental stewardship while enhancing the quality of life for our employees and neighbors alike.”
Lori McCullough, CEO and Founder of TGOF, agreed. “This partnership exemplifies how public-private collaborations can enhance our outdoor spaces. From new grills to new playground equipment, we’ve come together to make the park more welcoming to everyone who wants to enjoy it,” said McCullough.
“Ayres Natural Bridge Park draws families from all corners of Converse County and beyond,” said Jim Willox, Converse County Chairman. “These upgrades improve accessibility for our local community and ensure every traveler can enjoy Wyoming’s iconic landscape. It’s an example of what we can achieve when county leadership, industry partners, and community organizations unite for a common purpose.”