HICKORY, N.C. (April 18, 2026) — Visit Hickory NC partnered with Outdoor NC, Catawba County Parks, and community partners to host a successful Park Stewardship Day at Mountain Creek Park on Saturday, April 18. The event brought together 32 volunteers for a morning of hands-on work focused on landscaping improvements, natural area enhancement, and beautification projects.
Volunteers of all ages participated, including several families with young children. The group worked across multiple areas of the park, taking on projects that support both its appearance and ecological health. Efforts included a roadside cleanup along Little Mountain Road at the park entrance, pulling weeds and trimming throughout the park, spreading compost to encourage growth during a dry stretch, and creating a gravel path near the bike trails.
Support from community partners played a key role in the day’s success. Duke Energy provided lunch for volunteers, while Keep Catawba County Beautiful supplied cleanup materials and t-shirts. Special thanks also goes to the park rangers who coordinated projects and led volunteers throughout the morning.
“The Park Stewardship Day is a great reminder of how much people care about the places they spend time,” said Elizabeth Clark Sigmon, Marketing Manager for Visit Hickory. “Mountain Creek Park is already incredibly well-kept thanks to the work of Catawba County Parks and the respect shown by visitors. Events like this are a great way to come together, keep the parks looking their best, and support their long-term health.”
Mountain Creek Park, a 606-acre destination on the northwestern tip of Lake Norman, is known for its extensive trail system and variety of outdoor experiences. From mountain biking and hiking to paddling and playground exploration, the park offers something for all ages while maintaining a clean and welcoming environment.
The Park Stewardship Day is part of a larger initiative focused on promoting sustainable outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship across Catawba County’s park system. Previous events at Riverbend Park and Bakers Mountain Park engaged volunteers in meaningful cleanup and restoration projects, demonstrating the impact of community involvement.
“The Park Stewardship Day series gives people a hands-on way to support the parks they love,” said Anna Koby, Community Engagement Specialist with Catawba County Parks. “By working alongside our partners and volunteers, we’re able to enhance natural areas while encouraging a shared sense of responsibility for these community spaces.”
This ongoing effort is made possible through collaboration between Visit Hickory, Catawba County Parks, Outdoor NC, and Keep Catawba County Beautiful. Together, these partners continue to create opportunities for residents and visitors to take an active role in preserving the natural spaces they enjoy.
The next Park Stewardship Day is scheduled for May 16 at St. Stephens Park. Visit Hickory and Catawba County Parks look forward to continuing the momentum and welcoming even more volunteers to get involved.
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CONTACT:
Maddy Phillips
Partnerships & Visitor Services Coordinator
Visit Hickory
828.322.1335
Maddy@visithickorync.com
