FLORENCE — It’s launchtime for boaters at McFarland Park.
The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has reopened the larger of the two ramps at the McFarland Public Boat Ramp facility (McFarland West) on Pickwick Reservoir in Florence.
McFarland West was closed in November 2024 to replace the facility’s damaged three-lane launching slab.
The access pier at McFarland North will also be replaced, which may cause a temporary closure of the facility’s two-lane boat ramp. McFarland West will remain open during renovations to McFarland North.
“McFarland Park is a great asset to northwest Alabama,” said Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship. “The city of Florence has great plans for other work at McFarland Park. The renovation of the launching ramp and the new access pier will be a great addition to this park for continued fishing, hunting and boating access.
“We appreciate our partnership with the city of Florence and Innovate Alabama on this important project.”
The boating access improvement project was completed through a partnership between ADCNR and the city of Florence. Funding for this project was provided through the Sport Fish Restoration Program, which is supported through excise taxes on the sale of outboard motor fuel, fishing equipment and the sale of Alabama fishing licenses.
Additional funding was provided by Florence and Innovate Alabama, a statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation with a mission to help businesses grow roots in Alabama.
ADCNR and the City of Florence will host a ribbon cutting ceremony March 14 to celebrate the completion of the renovation project.
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