Press Releases

‘Kayaking 101’ Instruction to be Offered by North Carolina State Parks, American Canoe Association, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Several North Carolina state parks, in partnership with the North Carolina chapter of the American Canoe Association (ACA) and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, will offer low-cost kayaking instruction at state parks statewide Saturday, May 20, 2023. The event is in celebration of National Safe Boating Week, which begins the same day.

New Boat Cleaning Stations To Reduce Hydrilla Spread at Lake Waccamaw State Park

Lake Waccamaw State Park, Natural Resources

The NC Division of Parks and Recreation will now offer two boat cleaning stations at Lake Waccamaw State Park in Columbus County to hinder the spread of hydrilla and other highly invasive aquatic species.

N.C. Parks and Recreation Authority Approves $13.7 Million for State Parks Capital Improvement Projects Across North Carolina

Carolina Beach State Park, Carvers Creek State Park, Crowders Mountain State Park, Falls Lake State Recreation Area, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, Hammocks Beach State Park, Hanging Rock State Park, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, Mayo River State Park, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, Mount Mitchell State Park, Recreation Grants and Outreach

The $13.7 million will fund capital improvements projects at 11 state parks.

State Parks Director Dwayne Patterson Announces Retirement

Raleigh Office, Office of the Director

Patterson, the first African American director for the Division, will depart early next year.

Williford Named Superintendent of Medoc Mountain State Park in Halifax County

Medoc Mountain State Park

Allen Williford is the new superintendent at Medoc Mountain State Park.

Stanley Named Superintendent of Kerr Lake State Recreation Area in Vance County

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

Bill Stanley is the new lead superintendent of Kerr Lake State Recreation Area.

N.C. Parks and Recreation Authority Approves $17.4 Million for State Parks Capital Improvement and Land Acquisition Projects Across North Carolina

Carvers Creek State Park, Chimney Rock State Park, Elk Knob State Park, Eno River State Park, Grandfather Mountain State Park, Hanging Rock State Park, Mount Mitchell State Park, Pettigrew State Park, Pisgah View State Park, Raleigh Office, Engineering and Construction, Land Protection and Acquisition, Operations, Planning, Recreation Grants and Outreach, Trails Program

The $17.4 million will fund nine capital improvements projects and six land acquisitions.

Gorges State Park Opens 13-Acre Family Campground

Gorges State Park

The campground at Gorges State Park will have five camper cabins, 14 campsites, and 16 tent campsites, along with a modern bathhouse.

Tyson Phillips Named First Superintendent of Pisgah View State Park

Pisgah View State Park

The new state park is estimated to open in 2025.

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

39 Local Communities to Receive Funding for Park Expansion and Restoration