Alabama officials marked another milestone in ongoing improvements to the state’s park system this week with the opening of a new pool house at DeSoto State Park in Fort Payne, part of more than $220 million in upgrades happening across Alabama’s 21 state parks.

State and local leaders gathered Wednesday, July 2, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony dedicating the new DeSoto facility, which includes changing rooms for visitors, a space for lifeguards, and new ADA-compliant walkways improving accessibility from the parking lot to the pool.

“When I became Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) eight years ago, it became immediately evident that we had some outdated facilities at State Parks that were in dire need of replacement,” said ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship.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 the $85 million bond measure approved by voters in 2022 — combined with state park revenues, Deepwater Horizon settlement funds, and federal American Rescue Plan Act funds — the state is currently investing in more than $220 million worth of renovations and construction projects at state parks.

Among the major initiatives underway are the construction of a new lodge at Cheaha State Park, a total renovation of Lake Lurleen State Park, and expansion of the award-winning campground at Gulf State Park. In addition, more than two dozen water and wastewater projects at parks were announced in June, many of which will utilize ductile iron pipe made 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 State Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston attended Wednesday’s ceremony and highlighted the importance of continued investment in public recreation.

“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 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.”

Livingston added, “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. Our State Parks are truly a treasure for all Alabamians, and these projects strengthen them and make the parks better than ever.”

Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps noted that other state parks also offer swimming options, such as beaches at Gulf State Park, Oak Mountain State Park, Cheaha State Park and Lake Guntersville State Park, along with swimming pools at Blue Springs, Lake Guntersville and Rickwood Caverns state parks.

Parks across Alabama are also planning July 4th events this week, including DeSoto’s annual Independence Day celebration, Fire on the Water at Oak Mountain, a scavenger hunt at Chewacla, a popsicle social at Lake Guntersville, the inaugural Cavern Glow at Rickwood Caverns, and fireworks from the Gulf State Park Pier. Reservations for these events can be made at 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.”

Alabama’s State Parks system, managed by ADCNR, includes 21 parks covering more than 50,000 acres from the Gulf Coast to the Appalachian Mountains, offering everything from day-use amenities to full-service lodging and recreation.

For more information or to make reservations, visit Alapark.com.