MONTGOMERY — A large acreage motorized vehicle park in Chilton County is about to get larger in size and likely in popularity thanks to an award of nearly $560,000, Gov. Kay Ivey announced.
The award from the federal Recreational Trails Program will enable the Chilton County Commission to purchase an additional 160 acres for Minooka Park near Jemison. The property acquisition will enlarge the park to 580 acres and allow for the addition of 10 miles of trail for all-terrain vehicles and motorized bikes. The additional trails would bring the park’s total trail mileage to 32 miles.
“Minooka Park arrived in central Alabama about the time that off-road vehicle sports were gaining popularity, and it has been full throttle since,” Gov. Ivey said. “This new addition will provide Alabama ATV enthusiasts with more opportunities to enjoy trail riding and other outdoor activities while boosting the local economy.”
Minooka Park currently consists of 420 acres, and in addition to trails includes an RV camping area, club house, pavilions and a lake circled by a pedestrian trail.
The park has been the recipient of several Recreational Trails Program grants through the years that have enabled its growth.
The Recreational Trails Program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration and is administered in the state by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.
“ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey and the Chilton County Commission in this park expansion and providing adventurous recreation for off-road vehicle riders,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
Gov. Ivey notified Jimmie Hardee, chairman of the Chilton County Commission that the grant had been approved.
Chilton County has pledged $138,946 in local funding for the project.
ADECA manages a range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.
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