It’s official. Starvation State Park has been renamed the Fred Hayes State Park at Starvation, in honor of a man with strong Basin roots. Fred Hayes was director of State Parks and Recreation when he passed away in March 2018 at the age of 58. Utah legislature quickly passed a Resolution to rename a state park in his honor but why Starvation State Park? Hayes started his career in 1982 as a Ranger Aide at Starvation State Park. Hayes grew up in Duchesne County and before his state parks career he spent several years as a biology, math, and personal health teacher in Duchesne and Uintah County public schools. After launching his career at Starvation State Park, Hayes worked in numerous positions over the years including park ranger and deputy director before becoming the state director. Hayes lived in Heber at the time of his passing. He is survived by his wife Serena and their five children. Signs showing the change have now been placed at the park.
