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ADECA

October 2, 2012
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Bentley announces grant for Oak Mountain upgrades
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MONTGOMERY – Alabama’s largest state park will be adding some features to make access easier for Alabamians with limited mobility, thanks in part to a $39,250 grant announced by Gov. Robert Bentley.

The funding will enable several additions and upgrades at Oak Mountain State Park including a trail, observation deck, campsite, picnic area and parking area – all designed to make the park more accessible for visitors with disabilities. The 9,940-acre park is located south of Birmingham near Pelham.

“These improvements will enable more residents to enjoy the park and Alabama’s natural beauty,” said Bentley. “I am grateful to the many volunteers and local officials who are working with the park to make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone.”

The new features are the third phase of a comprehensive improvement plan that has been implemented by Oak Mountain State Park personnel, Shelby County, the city of Pelham, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers, or “BUMP,” a private organization promoting mountain biking activities.

The new trail will have an approximately 400-foot compacted gravel surface designed for easier wheelchair navigation. The wooden observation deck will be at the west end of the trail, and the camp site and picnic area will be at the east end. The parking area will include handicapped accessible spaces, and an automatic gate will be installed to replace the manual gate located at the bottom of Peavine Road.

Funding for the program was made available through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund program which was created in the mid 1960s by Congress and has as part of its objective to assist states with the development and preservation of outdoor recreational facilities. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant.

ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement and traffic safety, workforce development, water resource management, economic development, recreation and energy conservation.

Additional funding and labor are being provided by the county, BUMP and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

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Contact: Josh Carples; Larry Childers

For more information, visit:  http://www.adeca.alabama.gov/