Take a hike.
Soon, thanks to nearly $2 million in grants, people will be able to enjoy the state’s recreational trails and the great outdoors.
Gov. Kay Ivey announced Thursday nearly $2 million have been granted to help build, restore, or improve trails at several locations throughout Alabama. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will dispense the money that was made possible by the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program.
“Trails are the ideal invitation to get people outdoors to enjoy the fresh air and Alabama’s scenic natural beauty,” Ivey said. “I am pleased to announce these projects which will provide even more opportunities for Alabamians to enjoy outdoor recreation.”
ADECA was excited for what the funding can do for the state’s recreational areas.
“With a well-maintained trail, you have a lot more than a place to get some exercise. You also have a place where you can socialize with others or where you can go and collect your thoughts,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell.
“ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in support of these new trails.”
The money will go to:
- Camden – $184,368 to construct a 5,600-foot-long walking trail with water fountains and rest areas at Bridgeport Landing Park on the eastern shore of the Dannelly Reservoir (Alabama River). A 2020 Recreational Trails grant helped the city construct boat ramps and other improvements at the park which hosts numerous fishing tournaments.
- Jackson – $350,000 to build a 1,000-foot-long, eight-foot-wide multi-use boardwalk at Kimball Lake. The boardwalk is the first phase of a plan to connect Kimball Lake RV Park with Parker Lake RV Park, both located near the Tombigbee River.
- Montgomery – $350,000 to extend the Riverfront Greenway multi-use trail from Riverfront Park to near Shady Street. The trail will run almost parallel with the Alabama River and Lafayette Street.
- Piedmont – $350,000 to repave a portion of the Chief Ladiga Trail within the Piedmont city limits and improve signs at intersections. The Chief Ladiga Trail, a 33-mile rails-to-trails project completed in 1998, links the cities of Weaver, Anniston, Jacksonville and Piedmont. It also connects with Silver Comet Trail at the Georgia state line, which continues to Atlanta. In Piedmont, it is used by residents and draws long-distance hikers and bike riders.
- River Falls – $90,857 to construct a multi-use trail at the River Falls Pavilion and property adjoining the River Falls Cemetery. The 0.3-mile concrete trail will be eight feet wide.
- Troy – $322,253 to construct a walking and biking trail and additional parking along with installing picnic tables and benches at Hubert Maddox Washington Park. The 1,320-foot-long asphalt trail will be eight feet wide to accommodate pedestrians and riders.
- Shelby County – $350,000 to construct approximately 12 miles of trails to connect trails at Double Oak Park. The new trail is part of the second phase of the Shelby County Commission’s plan to provide a recreation venue on the 750-acre site atop Double Oak Mountain north of U.S. 280.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
