Press Releases

Governor Cooper Announces $17 Million in Grants for Parks and Recreation Projects Statewide

39 Local Communities to Receive Funding for Park Expansion and Restoration

N.C. State Parks to Launch New Website

Marketing and Communications
The new website will launch on Aug. 30 and include new features for accessibility and mobile-friendliness.

First Mountain Monarch Festival to Be Hosted By Gorges State Park

Gorges State Park
Gorges State Park will host its first annual Mountain Monarch Festival on September 24, 2022.

Haynes Named Superintendent of Bob's Creek State Natural Area in McDowell County

Bobs Creek State Natural Area, Operations
The state natural area was authorized in 2017.

Matheson to Lead Rendezvous Mountain

Rendezvous Mountain
Jeff Matheson is the new superintendent of Rendezvous Mountain, formerly a state educational forest that was originally purchased by the state as the third state park.

Jason Anthony to Lead Pilot Mountain State Park

Pilot Mountain State Park, Operations

RALEIGH, N.C. — Jason Anthony is the new superintendent of Pilot Mountain State Park, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. Anthony succeeds Matt Windsor, who served as park superintendent since 2008 and moved to Hammocks Beach State Park in 2021.

Vonda Martin Named Division of Parks and Recreation Grants and Outreach Manager

Recreation Grants and Outreach
Vonda Martin is the new grants and outreach manager for N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

Shimel To Lead State Parks' East District

Operations

Joe Shimel is the new east district superintendent of North Carolina state parks, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. Shimel succeeds Sarah Kendrick, who served as acting superintendent beginning in 2020.

Third and final phase of acquisitions completed for Bobs Creek State Natural Area in McDowell County

Land Protection and Acquisition
Final Acquisition for Bobs Creek State Natural Area complete; made possible by Foothills Conservancy.

Local Parks Projects Awarded McIntyre Gift Funds by Parks and Recreation Authority

Recreation Grants and Outreach

The Parks and Recreation Authority has awarded three local park projects a total of $491,893 in grants from the bequest of Ms. Barbara McIntyre to the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF). All three selected projects are in Tier 1 Counties.