Gulf State Park Events Coordinator Receives Island Spirit Award

The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber surprised Gulf State Park Events Coordinator Cindy Langston at her office on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, to honor her as the latest winner of the Island Spirit Award.

Given monthly to an individual who works in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, the Island Spirit Award honors an individual who displays an attitude of concern, warmth and hospitality to everyone. The surprise presentation pleased Langston's colleagues, who have long recognized her as one of the hardest working and most dedicated employees in the Alabama State Parks System.

"We have made a commitment to provide a first-class experience for every visitor to our State Parks, and Cindy embodies that commitment every day," said Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps. "Everyone who has ever interacted with Cindy appreciates her can-do attitude and positive outlook. We're lucky to have her, and it's wonderful to know that she won the Island Spirit Award. She's definitely deserving."

The Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and Beachball Properties present the Island Spirit Award every month, and the winner receives a cash prize, custom lapel pin, keepsake plaque, flowers from Rouses Markets, and free lunch courtesy of DeSoto's Seafood Kitchen.

Langston started working at Gulf State Park as a volunteer six years ago and eventually became the park's events coordinator. She also coordinates events for nearby Meaher State Park in Spanish Fort, and she's perhaps best known for the murals she painted at Gulf State Park, Meaher State Park and Lakepoint State Park in Eufaula.

As the events coordinator at Gulf State Park, Langston plays a critical role in numerous events throughout the year. Gulf State Park drew more than 3 million visitors in fiscal year 2023-24, the most recent year statistics are available, making it Alabama's most visited state park.

The Island Spirit Award nomination form - submitted anonymously - explains why Langston is deserving of the award.

"Putting in numerous hours to plan and coordinate special events from Grinchmas and beach campouts to Christmas card lane at Lake Shelby," the nomination reads, "and all of the wedding and photography permits throughout the year, plus everything in-between, Cindy never complains when last-minute surprises are sprung on her, or someone cancels due to not being able to come in as a volunteer. She just picks up the phone and does what needs to be done."

About Alabama's State Parks System
The Alabama State Parks is a division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and maintains state parks encompassing more than 50,000 acres of land and water in Alabama. The parks range from Gulf Coast beaches to Appalachian Mountains and provide opportunities and facilities from basic day-use activities to resort convention lodging, restaurants and golfing areas. These parks rely on visitor fees and the support of other partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations. Learn more at alapark.com.

About Gulf State Park
Gulf State Park encompasses 6,150 acres of unique landscape and features nine diverse ecosystems to explore, including freshwater lakes, dunes, pine savannas, marshes, woodlands and beaches. Drawing millions of visitors annually, the park offers hiking, biking, fishing, exploring, geocaching and paddling, as well as miles of sugar-white public beaches. Overnight accommodations include RV camping, Lakeside Cabins, Eagle Cottages and The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel. Learn more at www.alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park.

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