A $96,000 grant awarded by Gov. Robert Bentley will enable a Chilton County park to expand and offer a broader range of accommodations for off-road motor vehicles and other trail-related activities.
Minooka Park plans to use the grant to purchase 40 acres adjacent to its existing 300-acre park near Jemison. The expansion will enable the county-owned park to provide more trails, including some designed for beginners and younger riders of off-road vehicles.
“Outdoor recreation facilities encourage Alabamians to step away from the television or computer screen and enjoy activities that involve the entire family,” Bentley said. “I am pleased to announce this award.”
Park planners said the purchase makes a beginner track possible because it includes property that is flat, unlike the rolling and hilly terrain that characterizes most of the existing park. Still under development, Minooka Park opened in March 2007 offering trails for all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles and at separate times, horseback riding. Hiking also is allowed in some areas. The park includes a lake and areas for primitive and recreational vehicle camping.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the recreational trails grant from funds made available to the state by the Federal Highway Administration. The program funds trails and related amenities for walking and hiking, bicycling, boating and paddling, horseback riding and other activities.
Local governments and non-profit groups that receive recreational trails grants are required to supply support equal to at least 20 percent of the grant.
Bentley notified Allen Caton, chairman of the Chilton County Commission, that the grant had been approved.
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Contact Jim Plott or Larry Childers