DeSoto State Park makes a splash with upgraded swimming pool facility

FORT PAYNE – Helping visitors get in the swim of things this summer, officials celebrated the opening of a pool house facility at DeSoto State Park.

State, local and tourism officials joined State Parks personnel to cut a ceremonial ribbon and dedicate the building, which houses changing rooms and an area for the facility’s lifeguards.

In addition, new ADA-compliant walkways from the parking area to the pool were added to improve accessibility for anyone with mobility challenges.

“When I became Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources eight years ago, it became immediately evident that we had some outdated facilities at State Parks that were in dire need of replacement,” said ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship. “One of those was the pool house right here at DeSoto State Park. We want our State Parks to offer excellent amenities and a first-class experience for all of our visitors, and it’s truly gratifying to see this new building and know it helps us accomplish that goal.”

Thanks to voters’ approval of an $85 million bond measure issue in 2022, numerous state park improvement projects have been completed or currently under construction. The combination of bond money, state park revenues, Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill funds and additional funds provided by the federal American Rescue Plan Act supports more than $220 million in renovations and upgrades at Alabama’s 21 state parks.

Some of the major projects include the construction of a lodge at Cheaha State Park, a total renovation of Lake Lurleen State Park, and expansion of the campground at Gulf State Park, which was named one of the nation’s best RV parks in the country earlier this year.

Just last week, officials gathered at Lakepoint State Park to announce that more than two dozen water and wastewater projects at Alabama State Parks, many of which will use ductile iron pipe manufactured in Alabama.

“We appreciate all of the support we receive from Gov. Kay Ivey and the Legislature, as well local officials around the state,” Blankenship said. “Without their unwavering support, there’s no way we could have secured the funds to make these much-needed improvements throughout the state and right here at DeSoto State Park.”

Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and Alabama State Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston attended today’s event and took part in the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

“Alabama State Parks attract millions of visitors each year, and it’s a pleasure to see so many enhancement projects like this one right here at DeSoto State Park become reality,” Livingston (R-Scottsboro) said. “Our State Parks are truly a treasure for all Alabamians, and these projects strengthen them and make the parks better than ever.”

While officials acknowledge that replacing the pool house at DeSoto State Park is much smaller than other large-scale projects, they emphasized it has a major impact on the local area.

“DeSoto State Park is a major attraction for people visiting the Lookout Mountain area of our state, and we know tourism is a major economic engine for our local area,” Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) said. “This new pool house facility definitely improves the experience of every visitor. It’s always wonderful to see how our decisions in the Legislature can create something better for the people of Alabama and everyone who visits our great state.”

Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps said other parks, like DeSoto, feature swimming options for visitors and overnight guests. Those include beaches at Gulf State Park, Oak Mountain State Park, Cheaha State Park, and Lake Guntersville State Park, as well as swimming pools at Blue Springs State Park, Lake Guntersville State Park and Rickwood Caverns State Park.

Numerous parks also have July 4th celebrations including DeSoto State Park’s annual Independence Day celebration. Other events include tonight’s Fire on the Water fireworks show at Oak Mountain State Park, the Fourth of July Scavenger Hunt at Chewacla State Park, the Independence Day Popsicle Social at Lake Guntersville State Park, the inaugural 4th of July Cavern Glow at Rickwood Caverns State Park, and Friday’s annual Gulf Shores Fireworks Show from the Gulf State Park Pier.

Online reservations for the Fourth of Julyvents are available through the State Parks website, Alapark.com.

“We encourage everyone to get outside and explore Alabama State Parks for the holiday weekend,” Capps said, “whether that’s enjoying a swimming pool or beach, taking part in a July 4th celebration or staying overnight in a campground, chalet, cabin or lodge. We have a wide variety of activities and programming for the entire family, and I hope people take advantage by visiting these beautiful parks that offer so many options for outdoor recreation and safe, family fun.”