Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine
New event center opens at Chewacla State Park
Reading time: 3 minutes
Chewacla State Park just cut the ribbon on a major upgrade: the new Chewacla Event Center, an 8,500-square-foot venue built for weddings, birthday parties, corporate retreats and community gatherings.
Local leaders, tourism officials and State Parks staff joined for the grand opening on March 27.
Here’s What to Know
- 📍 Location: 124 Shell Toomer Pkwy, Auburn, AL
- ⏰ Hours: Follows Chewacla State Park operating hours
- 🎉 Uses: Weddings, parties, retreats, reunions, community events
- 🌳 Setting: Surrounded by Chewacla’s wooded trails, lake and waterfall
Community celebrates ribbon cutting
State leaders said the event center fills a long‑standing need at Chewacla and finally gives the park a true home base for community events.
“Numerous community organizations have long chosen Chewacla State Park for their events, and we’ve always envisioned a dedicated space to serve as the centerpiece for those experiences. Now that vision is a reality, and this new facility will invite even more visitors to stay, play and explore all that Chewacla has to offer.”
Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Other local leaders echoed the sentiment that the new venue will play a meaningful role in how the community uses the park.
State Senator Jay Hovey said the space will elevate everything from graduation parties to wedding receptions, and Auburn Mayor Ron Anders noted that it will serve as a welcoming place for families to gather and celebrate.
Inside the Chewacla Event Center
Inside, the Event Center is built around a bright, open room that can shift from casual gatherings to more formal celebrations. Groups have access to a warming kitchen, updated restrooms and modern audio visual equipment, making the space easy to tailor for different events.
Outside, the layout is designed with visitors in mind. The parking area now includes pedestal hook ups for food trucks, and along the back of the building, five large slide up doors open the room to the woods, giving guests a clear view of Chewacla’s scenery.
What this means for Chewacla
The Event Center is one of several improvements funded through the statewide bond issue, and Chewacla has already seen upgrades like a new playground and refreshed amenities in recent years.
The new venue gives locals and visitors another reason to spend time at the park, offering a flexible space for celebrations and gatherings in one of Auburn’s most visited outdoor destinations.
