Cam Carpenter, Director of Parks and Recreation, will retire after six years with the City of Gastonia and more than 30 years in local government. Carpenter has worked in recreation for 27 years, starting at age 15 as a scorekeeper and member of the field crew for the Gastonia Parks and Recreation Department. A graduate of Appalachian State University, he was employed by the Cramerton Parks Department for 25 years.
In 2016, Carpenter was named assistant director of the Gastonia Parks and Recreation Department and was promoted to director in March 2018. He will retire on December 1 and is assisting the new director with the transition of projects. Carpenter was instrumental in several major projects during his tenure, including the CaroMont Health Park, Linwood Springs Park, and many other renovations and remodeling projects around the City.
“Cam’s can-do attitude and depth of experience has been such an asset to our City and he will be missed,” said Assistant City Manager Melody Braddy. “He grew up in this community and has had such a positive impact in Gastonia and Gaston County.”
Tripp White Takes the Helm of Parks and Recreation Department
Tripp White has been promoted to Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Gastonia. He will assume his new position November 5, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of Cam Carpenter. White has been an employee of the City of Gastonia in various positions in Parks and Recreation for over 16 years.
“I am very grateful to fill the shoes of my predecessor and I look forward to working with our community, our Mayor and City Council and the City leadership team to continue improving everyone’s quality of life.,” White said. “I appreciate the opportunity to serve the citizens of Gastonia.”
“We are excited to promote Tripp White to this position because he knows our City and cares about our parks and recreation facilities and the citizens and guests that use them,” said City Manager Michael Peoples. “He will be instrumental in implementing our master plan for the Parks and Recreation Department.”
White will oversee nearly 100 full- and part-time employees in Recreation & Athletics, Landscape Maintenance, Special Events Manager, and the City’s arborist. Prior to his promotion, White was Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation.
The Parks and Recreation Department operates and maintains over 15 parks, two swimming pools, two splash pads, five community recreation centers, seven cemeteries, a skeet and trap range, and Rankin Lake Park for fishing, paddle boating, canoeing and other outdoor activities. Learn more about the City of Gastonia’s Parks and Recreation Department here.
