Whether welcoming first-time visitors to Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area, preparing Wittenburg Swim Beach for a busy summer weekend, or helping set the stage for a concert at Alexander County Courthouse Park, the Alexander County Parks Department works to create safe and memorable outdoor experiences for residents and visitors.
Led by Parks Director Alex Starnes, the department’s team serves as both caretakers and ambassadors for some of Alexander County’s most popular destinations. Including Starnes, the department has three full-time employees, three part-time employees, and five seasonal employees.
Starnes became Parks Director in March 2025 and has worked full-time for Alexander County for approximately one year and four months. He previously worked part-time for the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office for about six years.
The Parks Department oversees Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area, Courthouse Park, Wittenburg Access Area, Dusty Ridge Access Area, Bethlehem Park, Jaycee Park, and East Alexander Park. While the county’s Buildings and Grounds Department handles landscaping and general grounds upkeep, Parks employees provide a wide range of operational services, including maintenance and repairs, tree removal, trash collection, custodial work, event assistance, and permit and reservation services.
Although residents may associate the department primarily with outdoor recreation, Starnes estimated that maintenance and repairs account for approximately 75 percent of its work.
“I wish I could say typical days happen, but at the parks, there are always different challenges,” Starnes said. “One moment, we may be cleaning up at Courthouse Park, and the next, you may find us on top of Rocky Face or along a trail cutting up large fallen trees.”
Employees’ responsibilities also change with the weather, available daylight, and how visitors use the parks throughout the year. Summer brings heavier attendance to Wittenburg Swim Beach and Courthouse Park, while spring and fall attract more hikers, rock climbers, and ballplayers. Camping activity typically increases as temperatures become cooler, too.
At Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area, employees maintain hiking trails, climbing areas, campsites, picnic areas, and other park facilities. They also greet visitors, answer questions, provide information, and help ensure guests have safe and enjoyable experiences. Rocky Face provides public access to a natural rock wall that attracts climbers from around the world. Its trails, mountain views, camping opportunities, and other amenities also draw outdoor enthusiasts from across North Carolina and beyond.
During the summer, the department staffs and operates Wittenburg Swim Beach, the only public swimming area on Lake Hickory. Employees prepare the beach for visitors, monitor conditions, maintain facilities, and welcome families looking for a place to enjoy the water.
The Parks Department also hosts the annual Alexander County Summer Concert Series at Courthouse Park and the Vertical Mile Challenge trail race at Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area. Staff members help facilitate numerous events at Courthouse Park and assist with smaller or one-time special events throughout the year.
Starnes said being a team player is the most important quality he seeks when hiring an employee.
“Having extensive knowledge of maintenance and repairs is helpful, but a willingness to jump in and help whenever the need arises is most important,” he said.
One of the department’s greatest ongoing challenges is maintaining an environment that is both safe and welcoming to everyone. That responsibility becomes more demanding as attendance continues to grow.
“We have seen a large increase in the use of our parks countywide,” Starnes said.
The department’s work often happens behind the scenes, from repairing facilities and responding to storm damage to maintaining trails and preparing for special events. Those efforts help protect the county’s natural and recreational resources while keeping its parks safe, clean, and enjoyable.
For Starnes, the most rewarding part of the job is serving the public and watching people enjoy the places that make Alexander County’s parks special.
“I am blessed to have a hardworking team that is dedicated to providing the best service to the community,” he said. “That applies not just to our department, but to Alexander County as a whole.”
While Rocky Face stands out because of its distinctive natural features and recreational opportunities, Starnes said each county park offers something special.
His invitation to residents and visitors is simple: “Come and see us. We always look forward to visitors.”
For more information about Alexander County parks and outdoor recreation opportunities, visit alexandercountync.gov.