Your Cherokee County Park Board is asking area residents to help fund projects at the Cherokee County Parks including Cherokee Rock Village and the Cornwall, Pratt and Ethel Morrison locations.  There are several projects already on-going and many others in the planning stages.

Currently the Park Board is planning to construct an observation deck measuring thirty by forty feet, overlooking the valley below Shinbone Ridge towards Leesburg. The beautiful panoramic view will then be available to those with limited mobility or disabilities. The access area will be handicap friendly so everyone who wants, will be able to enjoy the beautiful view.

According to Park Board Members, the project is slated to cost around $40,000.  The Board now has $30,000 of the cost covered through grants and donations however another $10,000 is needed to complete the project this year. Plans are for the deck to be available to patrons by late summer or early fall.

Other projects planned for the immediate future include extending water and electrical lines to the RV campsites to enhance the services for those with RV’s. This is being funded by a grant through ADECA, National Park Service, and the Cherokee County Commission.  The Board plans for work to begin this fall.

Other projects in need of funding include replacing the support poles on the pavilion at Cornwall Furnace Park. This project is estimated to cost approximately $10,000 – for which there is no current funding available. This is a National Historic spot with a Memorial to Veterans of all wars of the United States.

Park Board members tell WEIS Radio News this is an excellent way area residents can help us leave a lasting legacy for future generations as well as offering more services for current park patrons. Many times, the Park Board can obtain grants but need matching funds in order to qualify. Some of the grants available require a 50% match and some require a 20% match.  This means they can use donated funds for matching money and multiply it. Sometimes those funds can be doubled, sometimes multiplied by 500%.

All Donations to the Cherokee County Park Board are completely tax deductible, and donors will receive a receipt for their tax records.  Donors can mail contributions to the Cherokee County Park Board at 101 West Main Street, Centre, Al 35960.

Park Board Members say with your financial assistance, you can expect big things – and more services to come to your Cherokee County Parks.

Current Park Board Members are: Leann Hill (Chairman), Scooter Howell (Vice-Chairman), Jerry Baker (Treasurer), Chelsi Alexander (Secretary), and Mirandi Watson.  Park Board members serve as volunteers and receive no compensation for their service.