$1.2M granted for 6 outdoor recreation projects across Alabama

Six cities will be the beneficiaries of $1.2 million in grant money through the federal Recreational Trails Program.

The funds will support a variety of outdoor projects including new trails, campsites and overlooks.

“Well-maintained trails are beneficial to people of all ages and make communities more attractive places to live. ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in support of these projects offering new ways to enjoy the outdoors.”

Kenneth Boswell, ADECA Director

The Recreational Trails Program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration and is administered in the state by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

Keep reading to see the plans for the six projects.

New trail in Anniston

$199,180 to construct a 950-foot long, 8-foot-wide connective concourse trail linking the Berman Museum to the Longleaf Event Center. Gov. Ivey informed Mayor Ciara Smith-Roston that the grant had been approved. The city will contribute a $49,795 local match.

Dinsmore Slough Trail in Decatur

$321,129 for trailhead parking and a biking and walking trail that will span 7,750 feet and be 8 feet wide. The trail will connect to the existing Dinsmore Slough Trail at Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. Gov. Ivey informed Mayor Kent Lawrence that the grant had been approved. The city will contribute $80,282 in matching funds.

Wolf Creek Park in Foley

$163,620 to build a 115-foot elevated boardwalk, an observation tower and a parking area at Wolf Creek Park. The boardwalk and parking area will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the city also plans to install signage at the park. Gov. Ivey informed Mayor Ralph Hellmich that the grant had been approved. The city will provide a $40,905 local match.

Campsites in Garden City

$297,751 to construct eight campsites for recreational vehicles with water, sanitary sewer and electrical service. The municipality also plans to build a trail connecting the campsites to the existing park amenities and the kayak launch at Garden City River Park. Gov. Ivey informed Mayor Timothy Eskew that the grant had been approved. The Cullman County town will contribute $74,438 in matching funds.

New overlook + parking in Mentone

$160,000 for additions at Brow Park including 900 feet of a 6-foot wide trail, a 20-foot by 20-foot elevated overlook and a parking area that is complaint with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Gov. Ivey informed Mayor Rob Hammond that the grant had been approved. The DeKalb County town will contribute $40,000 to the project.

Kendra Dendy Currie Memorail Trail in Sylvania

$80,000 to rehabilitate the existing quarter-mile Kendra Dendy Currie Memorial Trail in Sylvania Town Park. Gov. Kay Ivey informed Mayor Terry McClendon that the grant had been approved. The DeKalb County town will contribute a $20,000 match.