Exploring Person County with Jennifer Teasley
Jennifer Teasley
Senior Administrative Support Specialist
Person County
Tucked into North Carolina’s northern Piedmont region, Person County is home to a landscape shaped by water, woods and generations of care. From the quiet coves and pine-shaded trails of Mayo Park & Lake to the rolling shoreline and hardwood forests surrounding Hyco Lake, it’s a place where both natural beauty and community action run deep.
Back in the 1940s, Person County became home to NC’s first county recreation department. Today, the Person County Recreation, Arts & Parks Department continues that legacy as the team behind a range of initiatives meant to help residents and guests connect with the outdoors. From nature programming at the Mayo Park Environmental Education and Community Center to lighted walking tracks, playgrounds, and picnic shelters, their work creates welcoming spaces for people of all ages to enjoy getting outside across the county.
As Senior Administrative Support Specialist for the department, Jennifer Teasley knows a thing or two about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into ensuring local green spaces continue to grow, improve, and welcome more people into the outdoors. We asked her to share what makes Person County’s natural spaces worth exploring — and how guests can show up with care.
exploring person county, north carolina
Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do in Person County?
I work for the Recreation, Arts & Parks Department in an administrative role. I’ve assisted the grants that have helped our department improve our park system. As an active senior who is always looking for something fun to do outside, I love the park system and anything outdoors. Person County is working on a new park that I cannot wait to enjoy on a regular basis.
What inspires you to do what you do?
Seeing people of all ages and skills recreating.
What makes the outdoor experiences you love in person county unique?
Our county offers two lakes, several parks with walking tracks and playgrounds, and three parks with multi-use trail systems. That means there are multiple opportunities to recreate outdoors. We’re also in a location nearby to other towns, like Durham and Danville, Va., with their own recreational activities.
Disc golf in Person County.
If you had a day to spend outdoors in Person County, what must-see landmarks or attractions would you visit?
I’d visit the new Roxboro Rotary Centennial Park and Mayo Lake Park. I’d first go with my bike up to Centennial Park, ride the trails and then have a picnic. I would next go to uptown Roxboro and stroll through the shops, then head to Mayo Lake Park towards the evening and rent or bring my own kayak to watch the sunset.
Are there any lesser-known trails, parks or outdoor activities that you would recommend?
I’d recommend Rock Athletic Complex in Roxboro. The complex has recently been upgraded with the help of several volunteers and is now multi-use — meaning there’s hiking, running, and biking.
Do you have any local food or dining recommendations that complement a day of outdoor adventure?
Brookland Eats for fancier fare or Honey’s for more casual fare!
Upper Flat River in Person County
What tips do you have for guests to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure here?
Our lakes do not have beach areas, so swimming is at your own risk and life jackets are strongly recommended.
Can you give us some background on how you approach stewardship and responsible recreation?
When I think of stewardship, I think of the sayings “Pack it in, Pack it Out” and “Leave No Trace.” We do have a problem with guests at our parks not disposing of their trash. I would love to be able to get the message out to our guests and residents to be mindful about this issue.
Are there recent examples of local projects or initiatives aimed at preserving the natural beauty and resources of Person County?
The new Centennial Park is going to be very diligent in preserving natural resources and educating guests on packing out what they pack in and other Outdoor NC Leave No Trace principles.
Mountain biking in Person County.
How can guests contribute to these stewardship efforts during their stay or after they have visited?
Volunteering! Person County offers outdoor volunteer opportunities like trail-building days and the chance to join the Person County Friends of the Parks Committee.
How does the local culture and community influence the outdoor experiences in Person County?
There are a lot of residents who love the outdoors here and love to share these experiences with others. I would love to see even more outdoor programming to invite more residents and guests into the great outdoors and the opportunities in Person County.
What final advice or message would you like to share with guests coming to explore Person County?
Come visit, enjoy and leave it better than you found it.
*Published 7/1/2025
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