Spring Filled with Activities, Upgrades at Alabama State Parks

Capps was also pleased to report that longtime State Parks team member Chad Davis was promoted to Deputy Director. Davis began his State Parks career as a 19-year-old college student.

"People often start their careers in State Parks as a lifeguard or in maintenance, or, like Chad, in the marina at Joe Wheeler State Park," Capps said. "He has held nearly every position in the Alabama State Parks System, including serving as a park ranger.

"In the short time he has been serving as Deputy Director, he has been asking all the right questions to improve our system, enhance the well-being of our employees, and ultimately improve overall guest satisfaction. With 20-plus years of experience, he is the right guy for the job."

Davis has served as District Superintendent for the State Parks' Northwest Region, overseeing operations at Joe Wheeler, Monte Sano, Rickwood Caverns, Cathedral Caverns and Lake Lurleen state parks.

After he was named Deputy Director, Davis said, "I've spent my entire professional career with the Parks System, and I look forward to helping all 21 parks continue to offer first-class experiences for every guest. We have fantastic State Parks in Alabama, and I am committed to making them better than ever."

With Easter less than two weeks away, Alabama State Parks leaders also shared ways to experience the parks through scheduled special programs and events starting Saturday, April 12, 2025.

At Cathedral Caverns State Park on April 12, children are encouraged to bring baskets for an impressive Easter egg hunt with more than 5,000 eggs hidden throughout the park. The egg hunt for kindergarten-age and younger kids will start at 1 p.m., with first grade and older children following.

At Cheaha State Park on April 12, the park hosts its Celebrate Spring event, featuring egg hunts from noon to 3 p.m. that are divided into age groups. For those who don't participate in the egg hunt, plenty of other activities are available, including archery, games, arts and crafts and more. Food and education vendors will be on site.

Rickwood Caverns State Park also hosts an Easter egg hunt on April 12. Starting at 1 p.m., the hunt will be divided into age groups. The Easter Bunny will be on site to entertain the kids.

At Gulf State Park, the annual Golden Eggstravaganza takes place from April 14 to 19, 2025. Prize-filled golden eggs will be hidden within the boundaries of Gulf State Park. Eggs collected along the trails can be exchanged for prizes ranging from park merchandise and camping gear to the grand prize of a two-night stay at the Lodge, including breakfast for two, as well as a VIP Guided Hike in the park. More details are available at Alapark.com/Events.

On Saturday, April 19, Lake Guntersville State Park will host the Celebrate Arbor Day event. The first 100 families in attendance will each receive a free tree sapling from the City of Guntersville. At 10:30 a.m., the Crafting with Nature program will include instruction by the park naturalist on making crafts with natural materials. At 2 p.m., the Wild Wonders: Tree Talk will take participants on a hike on the Cutchenmine Trail to identify native tree species.

On April 26, Gulf State Park will host the Spring Beach Campout, where registered guests can spend the night on the beach. The cost for a tent is $45 for up to 4 people. Additional guests are $5. A parking pass at the Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion is included in the price.

Visit Alapark.com/Events for registration and details for all Alabama State Parks programs and events.

###