Renovation project announced for Walker County Public Lake

State and local officials gathered Thursday to announce a major renovation project for Walker County Public Lake in Jasper, unveiling plans aimed at enhancing both recreational opportunities and community engagement at the popular outdoor destination.

The upgrades will include improvements to the entrance road and parking lot, restroom and concession facilities, and a new entry gate. A key highlight of the project is the construction of a new event space, which officials say will serve as a venue for a wide range of community gatherings.

Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, said the renovations reflect the broader mission of the state’s public lakes to serve diverse groups of outdoor enthusiasts.

“The Department of Conservation manages 23 public fishing lakes throughout the state. The improvements here at Walker County Public Lake show how these community venues can provide outdoor recreation for multiple user groups,” Blankenship said. “While these renovations will certainly improve the experience of those who fish at the lake, the walking trails, birding tower, archery range, meeting facility and other amenities will make this a special place for all residents of this area.”

Several public officials, including Alabama Department of Workforce Secretary Greg Reed, State Rep. Matt Woods, and Jasper City Council member Jenny Brown Short, attended the event and expressed their support for the project.

“I am excited about the future of Walker County Lake,” said Woods. “The new facilities will include a great space to host meetings and events that can benefit everyone in our community.”

“This is a wise investment in outdoor recreation for our region, and I appreciate the Department of Conservation committing the necessary resources to bring this project forward. Once completed, we will have modern facilities that are on par with our state parks.”

Short emphasized the long-term local efforts that helped make the project possible.

“This announcement is the result of years of collaboration, commitment and belief in what Walker County Lake could become,” she said. “Local groups and volunteers laid the groundwork through countless projects that showed just how much our community values this lake.

”I’m deeply grateful to Commissioner Chris Blankenship, Deputy Commissioner Ed Poolos and all of our state leaders for recognizing that work and choosing to invest in us. Their support is a powerful reflection of what can happen when communities come together with a shared vision.”

Located three miles southeast of Jasper, Walker County Public Lake spans 163 acres and offers fishing for species such as largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, crappie, and hybrid striped bass. Trout fishing is scheduled to begin on November 28.