Meet Paige Byron

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Byron.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Astoria Hot Springs is located just south of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Like many hot springs, Astoria has been a gathering place for generations and has been central to the cultural fabric of the community for decades. Astoria Park Conservancy brought Astoria back to life though private philanthropic support as a non-profit, community park centered around the hot springs in 2020. Since then, the hot springs provides inspiring experiences in the outdoors that improve wellbeing, livability and heath. 

Astoria Park Conservancy works to ensure that visitors and residents are welcome at Astoria and elevates the direct health benefits found at the hot springs through offering wellness and educational programming. The organization provides over $50,000 in donated access to the hot springs via its Access Fund, supported by donors. Working with over 30 local organizations, the nonprofit strives to meet bold goals to ensure that critical health outcomes are available to many, not just a privilege of the few. 

This summer, Astoria Park Conservancy plans to break ground on a 95-acre riverfront park thanks to the generosity of donors. Once completed, Astoria will be a testament to the power of private philanthropy – an investment of over $10M from individuals, foundations, and corporations who share our vision. The business model is unique, and the organization will be nearly entirely self-sustaining once the development is finished. It is truly and win for the locals, a win for visitors the valley, and a win for the donors who realize an extraordinary value proposition from their investments. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In its original iteration, Astoria closed to the public in the late 1990s. It has been a long road for over twenty years to reopen it, and Astoria Park Conservancy’s success is only due to the incredible persistence of a dedicated group of community volunteers. The park was green-lighted for approval in the fall of 2016, and shortly afterward, a capital campaign was launched to purchase the property and support the beginning of the build-out, focused on the hot springs. Completed in 2020, following a $6M+ fundraising campaign and construction project, the hot springs were opened in the height of COVID. To say it was challenging is an understatement, but the organization’s mission was more critical than ever – offering a safe, outdoor activity for people to find connection after so much isolation. 

Some of our other challenges have included the closure of the historic bridge that provided the only access to the property in fall of 2022 and the subsequent complicated construction process to provide temporary access on the bridge while it is getting replaced; ongoing fundraising for the larger park amidst this closure; and many of the unique facilities challenges found due to our geothermal landscape and mineral pools (everything from corroding materials to construction challenges). We are committed to our mission and vision that time spent at Astoria improves individual and community health. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an Executive Director of a high-visibility wellness non-profit, my work is a constant juggling of different priorities. I am humbled to be at the helm of Astoria’s new life in the area, especially given my own memories made there as a child. I believe strongly that my position is one of connecting people to something that will improve lives – their lives and the lives of those who care for our larger community. Whether working with our critical service providers – EMTS, first responders, and mental health practitioners – to grow their resiliency or welcoming hundreds of students to our first-ever summer camp, our programs are changing lives. And this is what fuels me during the days when it seems the mountain is insurmountable. 

My own journey is grounded in the importance of nature, and I believe in grounding our work in personal experiences at Astoria. I find my own restoration in the hot springs, walks by the river, and time spent meditating in nature. And I am proud of Astoria Park Conservancy’s culture, which supports our staff in caring for their own mental and physical health so they are able to serve others at Astoria Park. In today’s “hustle culture,” we are offering a different approach: going slowly, taking care of our environment and the communities connected by it, and creating a non-profit business model that moves away from the scarcity mindset and into abundance. 

I now serve as the President of the International Hot Springs Association, and I’m proud to be offering this example of a business that can be grounded in improving health throughout communities around the world. 

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Astoria Park Conservancy relies on supporters – people who are willing to give time, treasure, and testimony to enhance our work and elevate our impact. Our website offers more opportunities about ways to donate: astoriapark.org/support. We are always looking for volunteers, committee members, and new partners, and those who are interested should reach out to me directly. 

Hot Springs visitors also support us – whether you’re looking for a unique activity during your trip to the Tetons or a special event venue for a wedding or corporate retreat, we hope you’ll consider Astoria. In addition to the incredible experiences we provide, visitor fees provide 70% of our operating budget and that allows us to direct donations to our development project and special programs. Make reservations in advance at astoriapark.org. 

Pricing:

• $22/visit for adult
• $16/visit for children up to 12
• children under 3 are free
• event pricing varies

Contact Info:

• Website: https://astoriahotspringspark.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astoriahotspringsandpark/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AstoriaHotSpringsandPark/

Image Credits
Kell Benson Photography