I hope this happens, Joe
RV park planned for Chief Ladiga Trail
By: Amanda Reynolds
Journal staff writer
03-27-2007
The Chief Ladiga Trail can be seen from Southern Spring, located at the Piedmont Sports Complex. Photo: Amanda Reynolds
Riders from across the country come to ride among the scenic beauty found along the Chief Ladiga Trail, Alabamas first extended rails to trails project.
Extending through Cleburne and Calhoun counties, the 33-mile trail connects Piedmont, Jacksonville, Weaver and Anniston.
However, with the nation-wide popularity of the trail, it should be noted that there are no Recreational Vehicle parks with hookups for sewer and electricity along the trail.
The city of Piedmont is working to change that statistic.
A concept project for at least six months, plans are rolling along for an RV park to be located at the Piedmont Sports Complex.
The location was chosen because of its close proximity to the trail and the Southern Spring area.
With plans designed by Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc., headquartered in Montgomery, in place, the next step is to apply for funding, according to City Clerk Bill Fann.
The design plans include an RV parking area, complete with hookups.
Fann said the need for an RV site is great not only within the city, but along the trail in general.
You can park at Mike Tucker Park down in Anniston on the south end of the trail, but theres no hookups. We allow parking at the Eubanks Welcome Center right now with a permit, said Fann.
However, at most, only two vehicles may stay at the welcome center at one time.
Weve had people do this on a regular basis. Thats why we had to come up with a policy and actual permit form, he said.
The plan also includes areas set aside as primitive campsites.
The campsite areas will include landscaping, fire pits and crushed gravel on which tents may be pitched.
Also included in the plans is a gravel parking lot that will be located behind the girls softball field for some of the campsites.
Areas of the complex, primarily near the Southern Spring, have already been in use as campsites by Cub and Boy Scouts and are evidenced by campfire remains.
Theres Boy Scouts or Cub Scouts out here camping almost every weekend spring through fall, said City Clerk Bill Fann.
He said scout groups from three states have used the area for camping because of its close proximity to the Chief Ladiga Trail, which many choose to explore.
The city has chosen to expand the number of campsites for more people to enjoy the natural scenery of the area and travel along the trail.
With the addition of these campsites, it creates a lot more than just an RV park, said Fann.
No money is budgeted for this project as yet, but Fann said he is working on getting estimates for grants.
In particular, a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant and Recreational Trails Program grant will be applied for.
The LVCF fund provides grants to States and local governments for development of public outdoor recreational areas.
This development will be good for the city for another reason.
Fann said another big draw to the city is the Cheaha Challenge. Over the years people have inquired about RV parks and the city had nothing to offer.
An abundance of work and discussion about rental fees still needs to be done, however, city officials agree, when completed the park will be a great asset to the city of Piedmont.
About Amanda Reynolds Amanda Reynolds is the staff writer and photographer for The Piedmont Journal. She can be reached at 447-2837 or via e-mail at mreynolds@thepiedmontjournal.com
RV park planned for Chief Ladiga Trail
By: Amanda Reynolds
Journal staff writer
03-27-2007
The Chief Ladiga Trail can be seen from Southern Spring, located at the Piedmont Sports Complex. Photo: Amanda Reynolds
Riders from across the country come to ride among the scenic beauty found along the Chief Ladiga Trail, Alabamas first extended rails to trails project.
Extending through Cleburne and Calhoun counties, the 33-mile trail connects Piedmont, Jacksonville, Weaver and Anniston.
However, with the nation-wide popularity of the trail, it should be noted that there are no Recreational Vehicle parks with hookups for sewer and electricity along the trail.
The city of Piedmont is working to change that statistic.
A concept project for at least six months, plans are rolling along for an RV park to be located at the Piedmont Sports Complex.
The location was chosen because of its close proximity to the trail and the Southern Spring area.
With plans designed by Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc., headquartered in Montgomery, in place, the next step is to apply for funding, according to City Clerk Bill Fann.
The design plans include an RV parking area, complete with hookups.
Fann said the need for an RV site is great not only within the city, but along the trail in general.
You can park at Mike Tucker Park down in Anniston on the south end of the trail, but theres no hookups. We allow parking at the Eubanks Welcome Center right now with a permit, said Fann.
However, at most, only two vehicles may stay at the welcome center at one time.
Weve had people do this on a regular basis. Thats why we had to come up with a policy and actual permit form, he said.
The plan also includes areas set aside as primitive campsites.
The campsite areas will include landscaping, fire pits and crushed gravel on which tents may be pitched.
Also included in the plans is a gravel parking lot that will be located behind the girls softball field for some of the campsites.
Areas of the complex, primarily near the Southern Spring, have already been in use as campsites by Cub and Boy Scouts and are evidenced by campfire remains.
Theres Boy Scouts or Cub Scouts out here camping almost every weekend spring through fall, said City Clerk Bill Fann.
He said scout groups from three states have used the area for camping because of its close proximity to the Chief Ladiga Trail, which many choose to explore.
The city has chosen to expand the number of campsites for more people to enjoy the natural scenery of the area and travel along the trail.
With the addition of these campsites, it creates a lot more than just an RV park, said Fann.
No money is budgeted for this project as yet, but Fann said he is working on getting estimates for grants.
In particular, a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant and Recreational Trails Program grant will be applied for.
The LVCF fund provides grants to States and local governments for development of public outdoor recreational areas.
This development will be good for the city for another reason.
Fann said another big draw to the city is the Cheaha Challenge. Over the years people have inquired about RV parks and the city had nothing to offer.
An abundance of work and discussion about rental fees still needs to be done, however, city officials agree, when completed the park will be a great asset to the city of Piedmont.
About Amanda Reynolds Amanda Reynolds is the staff writer and photographer for The Piedmont Journal. She can be reached at 447-2837 or via e-mail at mreynolds@thepiedmontjournal.com
Always in Training,
Joe
Joe
