Sarah Kendrick, a veteran ranger, has been named superintendent of Hammocks Beach State Park in Onslow County, according to the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation. Kendrick succeeds Paul Donnelly, who retired earlier this year.
A superintendent is the chief of operations and administration at a state park or state recreation area with wide-ranging responsibilities for staffing, training, law enforcement, visitor services, natural resource protection, community outreach and environmental education.
A native of Jacksonville, N.C., Kendrick graduated from North Carolina State University in 2003 with a bachelor's degree in parks and recreation management, with concentration in marine and coastal resources. Having worked as a seasonal employee at Hammocks Beach and Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, she joined the state parks system fulltime in 2003 as a ranger at Goose Creek State Park. She moved back to Hammocks Beach in 2005 and has guided the park's natural resource efforts. Kendrick is certified in environmental education and holds a captain's license.
"Sarah's experience in park operations, education and natural resource management complements her broad knowledge of her community. That's a powerful combination for the future of Hammocks Beach State Park," said Mike Murphy, state parks director. "This park has new opportunities for growth and development, and we're delighted to have her at the helm."
Hammocks Beach State Park was established in 1961 and now encompasses 1,155 acres. It recorded 178,376 visitors in 2014.