Alabama Power Donates Pavilion to Hurricane Creek Park

Alabama Power Donates Pavilion to Hurricane Creek Park

I had the privilege of attending a check presentation ceremony  on the banks of Hurricane Creek Yesterday. 

 Gary Minor, PARA Director invited me to be present when Alabama Power Company (APCo)presented them with a check for $35,000.00 to build a new pavilion at the park on 216. It will be located in the general area of the canoe put-in and swimming area. It has long been a goal of the Friends of Hurricane Creek to have an area such as this for teaching and recreation. Hurricane Creek is a living, breathing laboratory within a bike ride of The University of Alabama. This makes it even more important to have a place to teach from. 

I can envision grade school to college students  learning conservation, geology, botany and many more subjects in this new facility.

Several APCo representatives were on hand for the ceremony along with prominent people from the community and elected officials.

Gary Minor, PARA director introduced the speakers.Gary and I go way back to the days of Strokers Paddle Club when Mike Mills Gary and I paddled the creek. It's good to know he is now overseeing the progress at the park.

First up was APCo representative Mark Crews Mark stated that APCo was donating the pavilion for the people to better enjoy the park for education and outreach as well as recreation. Sometimes APCo gets a bad rep due to past irresponsible land management practices under right of ways.

Mr. Joseph Brown assured me that those days are gone and APCo was heading in a new direction in that area.  After a long conversation with Mr. Brown he agreed to meet with me and take a look at some concerns I have in the watershed. I welcome this opportunity to rebuild the bridge to a good working relationship.

Mr. Brown offered to help sponsor our Hurricane Creek Cleanups in the future. We applaud this as a great step forward.

Next up was Tuscaloosa County Commissioner Jerry Tingle. For those who do not know Mr. Tingle he is the county commissioner for this distract and a good friend to the creek and area surrounding it. Jerry has consistently pushed to funds to make this park a community asset which should be considered as important and valuable as any development property in the county. Places like Hurricane Creek Park offer an opportunity for children of all ages to come and learn about nature and conservation.