Officials announced planned renovations at Walker County Public Lake in Jasper on Thursday, and local leaders applauded the upgrades.
The renovation work will include upgrades to the entrance road and parking lot, restrooms and concessions areas, a new entry gate, as well as construction of a new event space.
“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,” said Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “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 government leaders attended Thursday’s announcement and voiced support for the project, including Greg Reed, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Workforce, state Rep. Matt Woods and Jasper City Council member Jenny Brown Short.
Construction of the new events space is considered the centerpiece of the renovations at the lake, and officials noted it will be available for a variety of community events.
“I am excited about the future of Walker County Lake,” Woods said. “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.”
Added Short, “This announcement is the result of years of collaboration, commitment and belief in what Walker County Lake could become. 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.”
The 163-acre Walker County Public Lake, located three miles southeast of Jasper, is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, crappie and hybrid striped bass. Trout fishing at the facility is scheduled to begin Nov. 28.
