McGill is Excited to Sponsor RockyFest 2022
RockyFest 2022 is a free, family-friendly public event that will take place at Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area in Alexander County on Saturday, April 23rd, from 10 am to 4 pm. This year’s celebration is exceptionally noteworthy because Alexander County is commemorating the tenth anniversary of Rocky Face Park’s public opening.
McGill is delighted to be a sponsor of this year’s event, as we strongly believe in supporting activities that bring communities together.
MCGILL’S HISTORY WITH ROCKY FACE PARK
McGill’s award-winning land planning and recreation team aims to design spaces that effectively integrate constructed and natural elements, and we are proud to have been a part of bringing Rocky Face Park to life.
Rocky Face Mountain Recreation Area, in northern Alexander County, was a former rock quarry. The 330-acre passive park is largely undeveloped and home to unique types of flora and fauna. The park was designed utilizing LEED design principles such as creative stormwater features, sustainable construction materials, and minimal impact to the ecosystems. An outdoor amphitheater, children’s playground area, and wetlands with boardwalks are among the park’s prominent features. Along the adjacent nature paths, educational signage identifies specific habitats and plant species. In addition to hiking, rock climbing, educational activities, and annual festivals, this area has become a regional destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
MEET THE HEAD PARK RANGER AT THE PARK
As the Head Park Ranger at Rocky Face, Alisha Stamey wears many hats. “I hire, train, schedule, and evaluate other staff and make sure the park is well maintained by assigning work assignments. I coordinate park logistics, safety, security, monitor, and enhance the park’s natural resources, educational programs, handle the park budget, and plan RockyFest among many other things,” said Alisha.
“I think my favorite part of my job is learning and teaching about the natural resources found at Rocky Face and the surrounding areas.”
WHAT MAKES ROCKY FACE PARK UNIQUE
“Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area is unique in many ways,” explained Alisha. “The park has many unique and rare plants and animals that are found on the mountain. The mountain is also listed as a significant area by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program. The rock-climbing area is unique and convenient for climbers as well. It’s the only public area in North Carolina where people can drive right up to the mountain and be able to climb without hiking all their gear to a climbing area.”
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THIS YEAR’S ROCKYFEST
This year’s RockyFest has something for everyone. There is going to be great music with a dancing stage as well lots of activities for kids, including a trackless train, bouncy houses, and a face painter. Free rock-climbing sessions will be available, and you can preregister for those at Eventbrite.com. There will also be a cornhole tournament located right beside the park at Rocky Face Baptist Church that will begin at 11 am, and winners will take home a set a RockyFest cornhole boards. You can preregister for the cornhole tournament by emailing rockyfacebc@gmail.com.
“We expect RockyFest 2022 to have an attendance of 1,500 – 2,000 people throughout the day,” noted Alisha. “And there will be lots of vendors selling products, and some who will be there demonstrating their art. We hope folks will come out and enjoy the festival and support the vendors.”
HOW PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS ENHANCE COMMUNITIES
Alisha said, “Parks and recreational areas enhance communities by offering recreational activities. Studies have shown that children and adults who spend time outdoors are healthier individuals emotionally and physically. Recreational areas increase social interactions as well. I think people need a place to be outside in nature — to exercise, to enjoy time with friends and family, to enjoy nature, and to just get away from all the daily stresses of life.”
LEARN MORE
Click here to read more about what RockyFest 2022 has to offer and see the full list of musical performers.
Click here to learn more about McGill’s land planning and recreation team and how we keep the community and fun at the heart of our design initiatives.
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Episode 13: Interview with LuAnn Bryan – Parks and Recreation Funding in North Carolina
McGill Minute – Episode 9: How Parks and Recreation Builds Stronger, More Resilient Communities