Press Releases

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.

Bischof Named Superintendent of Gorges State Park

Gorges State Park, Operations
Kevin Bischof is the new superintendent of Gorges State Park in Transylvania County, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

Dismal Swamp State Park Will Close For Major Bridge Repairs

Dismal Swamp State Park, Engineering and Construction
Dismal Swamp State Park will be closed for major bridge repairs.

Lloyd Joins Mumford As Falls Lake Superintendent

Falls Lake State Recreation Area, Operations
Crystal Lloyd joins David Mumford as superintendent at Falls Lake State Recreation Area.

Get On The PATH To Health and Wellbeing at N.C. Parks, Museums and Historic Sites

Marketing and Communications
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is launching a new online campaign to encourage North Carolinians to get moving and get outside.

North Carolina State Parks Report Record 19.8 Million Visitors in 2020

Marketing and Communications, Operations
State parks and recreation areas welcomed 19.8 million visitors in 2020 year — 400,000 more than any other year on record and 1.2 million more visitors than in 2019.