Alabama’s State Parks have been working on improvements both large and small all over the state. These projects range from new primitive campgrounds, construction of bathhouses, renovations, a multitude of maintenance projects, and improved pet accommodations
Desoto State Park received some much-needed improvements to the lodge to repair damage from the 2013 tornadoes. The lodge received a new roof, and new microwaves and refrigerators have been added to the rooms.
This year State Parks have increased their accommodations for your four legged friends.
Specified cabins and cottages now allow pets to stay overnight, for only $15 per dog. Dogs are welcome for no charge at all campgrounds.
“The tornadoes a few years ago caused damage all over our community, including DeSoto State Park, which is a huge economic engine in northeast Alabama” says Representative Nathaniel Ledbetter. “I’m thrilled the parks have been able to use the money allocated from the state to help fix the damage so quickly. The park system relies on these funds in order to improve the parks and carry out necessary renovations.”
User fees generated from parks, partners, visitors and tourist from all over the world generate 90% of the parks’ operating budget. The legislature allocates only a small amount of funding to support the parks annually. The improvements at the parks all over Alabama are mostly possible due to the partners and visitors of the parks. The majority of the extensive maintenance at DeSoto State Park came from insurance money, which was used to repair the damages from the tornadoes.
Last week the park also opened a brand new pioneer style cabin in the primitive camping area. This new pioneer camping cabin was made possible by a grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Alabama Department Economic and Community Affairs. The pioneer cabin is available for $40 a night and can sleep up to five people.
“The Parks system in Alabama is an incredible asset and I hope to see them continue to provide access to the outdoors for generations to come," continued Rep. Ledbetter. "This will only be possible if the important annual funds from the State remain available for the parks to continue making needed renovations and improvements around the state.”
While some of these improvements seem small, they have a huge impact, and guests are noticing at parks around the state. Earlier this year Desoto State Park was one of nine Alabama State Parks to receive TripAdvisor’s 2014 Certificate of Excellence Award. This is an honor reserved for the top tier of attractions, hotels, parks and restaurants out of the thousands of attractions around the globe.
In order to continue receiving these great reviews, the parks are continually improving to meet guests’ needs and changing outdoor preferences. The state parks are currently looking to expand concession agreements throughout the system, similar to the zip line course at gulf state park and ski system recently installed at Oak Mountain State Park.
“We are proud to provide visitors an excellent experience at all of our state parks,” says Greg Lein, director of the Alabama State Parks. “We are continually looking for ways to make our parks better, and this is only possible with the great partners around the state and the continued support of our legislature. At Alabama’s State Parks, partners pay the way. With 22 parks all over the state and 48,000 acres to maintain and improve each year, volunteers are crucial to the success of the parks.”