Friends of Killarney Park unofficially began in 1985 when Jay Leather, Superintendent at the time, introduced the “host and hostess” program to Killarney Provincial Park. This involved requesting volunteers who were familiar with the Park to “host” visitors, answering their questions, giving directions and helping with trip planning. Very enthusiastically, original Friends members, Nancy and Gord Swatkow, and Jim and Peggy Park agreed to take on this task. They set up a picnic table, map and bookshelf at their campsite and met daily with park visitors;lo the original Outpost was created. Eventually a group of these Killarney enthusiasts got together and formed what is now the Friends of Killarney Park. They held the inaugural meeting on January 18, 1986 and elected the first Board of Directors at this time. On June 17, 1986 , the agreement between the Organization and the crown was signed. Ten days later, the Friends of Killarney became a registered charitable organization. With a very dedicated volunteer Board and 40 members, the Friends was established.