MONTGOMERY-With more than $150 million available for renovations, repairs and construction, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) State Parks System is in the middle of major upgrades and enhancements to help State Parks’ guests embrace and enjoy Alabama’s natural beauty.
State Parks Director Greg Lein said those projects span the entire state, with upgrades planned at many of the 21 Alabama State Parks. Lein gave updates on the projects from south to north, starting with the Gulf State Park Pier damaged during Hurricane Sally. The repairs and construction are progressing on schedule.
Some of the upgrades in North Alabama:
Near Huntsville, renovations of the cabins at Monte Sano State Park are underway, as well as the addition of a new bathhouse and sites in the campground. A new bathroom and pathway will be built in the day use area.
At Joe Wheeler State Park near Rogersville, renovations are underway at the lodge with new railings and other exterior work as well as new windows in the dining room. The Joe Wheeler pool has also been upgraded.
One project that has been completed is the Oak Mountain State Park Campground, which was completely renovated and opened to the public at the end of May. The camping facilities were completely overhauled with new water and sewer lines and upgraded electrical service. The camping sites were enlarged, and a meeting pavilion and restroom facility was constructed.
Other renovations in Alabama State Parks:
Gulf State Park, Meaher State Park, Lakepoint State Park on Lake Eufaula, Chewacla State Park, Wind Creek State Park, Lake Lurleen, Cheaha State Park and Rickwood Caverns State Park
Starting last week, Alabama residents can make online reservations 13 months in advance, a month before out-of-state residents. The Alabama Residents Advanced Reservation Window will give Alabama residents greater flexibility in pricing, location and date options.
“In the past, we’ve always let people book 12 months out,” Lein said. “Now if you’re an Alabama resident and you’re using the online reservation system, you can go in and make your reservations 13 months out.”
Reservations can be made online through the Plan Your Adventure Online portal at alapark.com. The zip code attached to your credit card will determine which booking window will apply.
“This will give Alabamians an advantage for booking and also gives them some advantages in pricing,” Lein said. “We’re really excited to be able to provide that new opportunity to the citizens of our state. Our new reservations system came online last fall, and it was through this new technology that we were able to provide this new option for Alabama residents.
Media Release/Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources/DAVID RAINER
