Starvation State Park RENAMED: Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation

Utah State Parks Director Jeff Rasmussen gives a speech at the ribbon cutting at Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation.

Starvation State Park has been officially renamed to Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation.

This name change honors Fred Hayes, who served as Division Director from 2012-2018.

To commemorate this name change, the Division hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the park on May 7, 2019. Visitors heard speeches from Fred Haye’s wife Serena Hayes, Utah DNR Director Mike Styler, Utah State Parks Director Jeff Rasmussen, and members of the Utah State Legislature.

Following the speakers, Serena Hayes cut the ribbon and unveiled a new commemorative plaque embedded in a large rock at the Starvation day-use beach area. The plaque features a picture of Fred and a summary of his history with Utah State Parks. Featured at the top is his often quoted “more” philosophy.

“More people having more fun in more parks more often.”

-Fred Hayes

Serena Hayes, Fred’s wife, cuts the ribbon at the unveiling of the commemorative plaque at Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation

Fred began his career with the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation in 1982 as a seasonal ranger at Starvation State Park. He held several positions within the Division including Ranger, Naturalist, Off‑Highway Vehicle Program Manager, Deputy Director, and Director.

Under his directorship, Utah State Parks visitation and profitability grew by leaps and bounds each year. Fred encouraged Parks staff to provide ever‑expanding recreational opportunities to benefit new and returning visitors.

His deep enthusiasm for outdoor recreation and abiding appreciation for his employees helped make his decades of service to the Division a great success.

In 2018, the Utah State Legislature and Governor Herbert passed a resolution asking that the name of this park be changed to Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation to honor Fred Hayes’ positive impact on the State of Utah.