MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $335,837 grant to enhance a 422-acre wilderness preserve that promotes recreation and education in St. Clair County.
The award to the city of Springville will help provide new amenities at the Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve. The grant is being provided through the federal Recreational Trails Program.
“Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve, with its meandering creek and rich wildlife and flora, has attracted visitors seeking an escape to nature and the outdoors,” Gov. Ivey said. “This grant will further enrich that experience into the wilderness and enable the preserve to serve as an outdoor classroom to learn about the natural wonders of Alabama.”
Funds will be used to construct a pavilion, restrooms and covered picnic tables. The proposed 1,642-square-foot pavilion can be used as an outdoor classroom.
An estimated 200 to 300 vehicles come to the preserve each week, bringing many people to walk or ride the preserve’s 7.3 miles of trail. City leaders expect that number to grow significantly as the park becomes better known and improvements are made.
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.
“The Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve is nature at its finest, and that is exactly what many visitors are seeking,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey is support of these new additions to the preserve, which will add to its attractiveness.”
Gov. Ivey notified Mayor Dave Thomas that the grant had been approved. The city has pledged $83,959 in matching funds 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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