Heile honored for service on NC Parks and Rec Authority

After serving as a member of the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Authority from July 2019 through June 2025, Beth Heile was honored by the organization during an official meeting May 22 at Mount Mitchell State Park in Burnsville.

The recognition celebrated Heile’s dedication, leadership, and advocacy for parks, trails, recreation, and conservation across the state.

Heile was originally recommended for the appointment by Rep. Hugh Blackwell and appointed by then-N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore. She served two consecutive three-year terms on the Parks and Recreation Authority, the statewide board responsible for helping oversee the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF).

The PARTF awards matching grants to local governments for state parks, local parks, recreation facilities, trails, and public access projects across N.C.

“Serving on the Parks and Recreation Authority was truly an honor,” Heile said. “I learned so much about public service, stewardship of taxpayer dollars, statewide needs, and the importance of thoughtful investment in parks, recreation, conservation, and quality of life. It gave me an even greater appreciation for the responsibility of serving the public and the lasting impact these projects have on communities across North Carolina.”

During her six years of service, Heile reviewed grant applications and funding requests from communities across the state, helping guide investments that support recreation access, conservation, tourism, health, and economic development.

Widely known in Burke County and across the state for her leadership in trails, recreation, downtown revitalization, and community development, Heile currently serves as executive director of the Burke River Trail Association as well as president and founder of Friends of the Valdese Rec.

Established by the General Assembly in 1994, the PARTF exists as a major source of funding for parks, recreation, and conservation projects statewide.

— JM