Georgia State Park Managers Receive Accolades – Award Ceremony 2026

The awards ceremony focused on the Monumental Moments created by state park employees across the state, from First Day Hikes on January 1 to America’s 250th commemoration. Superintendents attended training sessions, shared innovative ideas, and celebrated each other’s’ accomplishments from the past year. Below are this year’s award winners.

Henry Struble Manager of the Year Award
Royce Johnson, Jack Hill State Park, Reidsville
Park Manager Royce Johnson demonstrates steady servant leadership at Jack Hill State Park, serving as a mentor and consistently supporting others. In the past year, Johnson trained new managers, rangers, interns, and staff while working closely with golf leadership to improve course operations. Johnson serves on the Division’s Outdoors Beyond Barriers Advisory Committee and promotes accessible outdoor recreation in the community. His commitment to excellence and dedication to the park, its employees, and its visitors earned him the Manager of the Year distinction.

Most Outstanding Site Operation Award
Fort King George State Historic Site, Darien
Fort King George State Historic Site earned the Most Outstanding Site Operation Award for its exceptional resilience and statewide leadership over the past year. Despite its small staff, the site played a key role in statewide initiatives including First Day Hikes and America’s 250th celebrations. Site Manager Michael Putnam represented Georgia State Parks in period clothing at multiple America’s 250th events throughout the state, including events at the State Capitol and Truist Park. These achievements highlight Fort King George’s commitment to operational excellence, public engagement, and statewide service.

Natural Resource Enhancement Award
Vogel State Park, Blairsville
Vogel State Park transformed the Lake Trahlyta dam restoration project into an opportunity for comprehensive improvements beyond the required infrastructure repairs. While the lake was drawn down, staff cleaned and improved the beach, restored the stream inlet, upgraded depth markers, removed 14 old tractor tires, and partnered with DNR Fisheries to install new fish habitat structures. The project also included refurbishment of nearly the entire lake loop trail, demonstrating strong teamwork and stewardship while improving visitor safety, recreation, natural resources, and the park’s overall appearance.

Cultural Resource Enhancement Award
Fort Morris State Historic Site, Midway
Fort Morris State Historic Site completed a multi-phase project to protect its historic Revolutionary War earthworks from damage caused by mature trees and severe weather. The project removed encroaching vegetation, restored historic views toward St. Catherines Sound, relocated cannons to their original positions, and upgraded the visitor center and museum. These efforts help to preserve the site’s historic resources while enhancing the visitor experience.

Best Year-Round Programming Award
A. H. Stephens State Park, Crawfordville
A. H. Stephens State Park delivered 406 programs and events, reaching 5,856 visitors, with an emphasis on accessible programming opportunities throughout the year. Programs included statewide initiatives like the First Day Hike and Junior Ranger Camp, as well as fishing rodeos, historic tours, nature hikes, wildlife programs, homeschool activities, and holiday events. The park’s Christmas light event alone attracted approximately 1,200 visitors, while community outreach and guest speakers expanded educational opportunities throughout the year.

Retail of the Year Award
Don Carter State Park, Gainesville
Park Manager Jamie Madden and her team transformed the retail area at Don Carter State Park by improving the layout, enhancing merchandise displays, and expanding seasonal Georgia Grown products and park-themed items. They also creatively integrated retail into programming efforts, including a frog adoption activity where visitors participated in a frog educational program and received their own plush keepsake.

Outstanding Golf Course of the Year Award
Meadow Links Golf Course, George T. Bagby State Park, Fort Gaines
Ranked among the Top 5 public golf courses in Georgia, Meadow Links demonstrates excellence in course quality, operations, and community involvement. The course supports multiple high school tournaments throughout the year, supporting youth golf in the community. Recent facility improvements include tree removal, improved bunker drainage, and irrigation improvements, demonstrating the site’s commitment to continuous improvement and visitor satisfaction.

Above and Beyond Award
Mike Teal, Providence Canyon, Lumpkin
Park Manager Mike Teel has dedicated nearly 13 years to DNR, progressing from Park Maintenance Technician at Florence Marina to Park Manager at Providence Canyon. He consistently goes above and beyond, leading the regional debris team and providing critical assistance following severe storms and in emergency situations. His work at Kolomoki Mounds following a major windstorm saved the park approximately $25,000 in cleanup costs, while his response to visitor concerns demonstrates his commitment to safety and service. Whether responding to an emergency, tackling a major cleanup, or supporting another park, Teel can be relied on to lend a helping hand wherever he is needed.