Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf State Park events coordinator Cindy Langston received a surprise visit Tuesday from the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber. Staff gathered at her office as the Chamber announced its latest Island Spirit Award. The moment drew cheers from colleagues. They say Langston’s dedication and warmth set a daily standard for service.

The presentation took place in the Gulf State Park offices on Tuesday, September 23rd. The Island Spirit Award is presented monthly to someone working in Gulf Shores or Orange Beach. It recognizes an attitude of concern, warmth, and hospitality shown to everyone.

Friends and coworkers said the selection felt overdue. Many consider Langston among the most hardworking employees in the Alabama State Parks System. Her steady approach has made her a go-to leader. It has also lifted the guest experience across park programs.

“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,” Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps said. He praised her can-do attitude and positive outlook. “She’s definitely deserving.”

The Chamber partners with Beachball Properties to present the honor each month. The winner receives a cash prize and a custom lapel pin. The package also includes a keepsake plaque, flowers from Rouses Markets, and free lunch from DeSoto’s Seafood Kitchen.

Langston’s path began six years ago as a volunteer at Gulf State Park. She later became the park’s events coordinator. She also coordinates events for Meaher State Park in Spanish Fort. Her creative work includes murals at three Alabama State Parks.

Those murals are at Gulf State Park and Meaher State Park. Another is at Lakepoint State Park in Eufaula. Each mural adds color and identity to heavily visited areas. Guests often use them as backdrops for photos and programs.

Her daily role reaches far beyond paint and planning. Gulf State Park hosted more than three million visitors in fiscal year 2023–24. That total is the most recent statistic reported. It made Gulf State Park Alabama’s most visited state park.

The anonymous Island Spirit Award nomination detailed why she stands out. It cited “numerous hours” planning special events such as Grinchmas and beach campouts. It listed Christmas Card Lane at Lake Shelby. It also mentioned wedding and photography permits throughout the year.

The nomination described her as calm under pressure. It noted last-minute surprises and volunteer cancellations. Langston “just picks up the phone and does what needs to be done.” Colleagues say that reliability is her hallmark.

For Langston, the award reflects team effort. Staff members say her leadership strengthens community ties. The recognition also spotlights hospitality in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. It underscores how year-round service shapes visitor memories across Alabama’s parks.