Show your support for local state park

Published 8:25 pm Thursday, August 13, 2015

Paul M. Grist State Park has been in the news often this year for such a quaint park.

Back in the spring, the park was listed among several that were slated for closing among budget battles in Montgomery.

Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed and the pending closures have been waived off, at least for the short-term.

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State parks remain as popular as ever, but our own little park between Selma and Plantersville could use some attendance to stave off any talk of closing it.

In a county plagued by some of the state’s highest obesity and diabetes rates, we should be doing everything possible to encourage outdoor activity, not closing parks.

If you have never been to Paul Grist State Park, this Saturday is the time to go. If you have been before, then you have a great reason to go back.

The park will host a family fun day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes many different outdoor activities. There will be short guided nature hikes, fishing in the park’s 100-acre lake (fishing poles will be provided) and archery classes for children ages 10 and older.

In addition, there will be geocaching, which is like a treasure hunt using a GPS device, as well as hayrides throughout the day.

And if that wasn’t enough, the Alabama Wildlife Center will put on its birds of prey program at 2 p.m. The show with various eagles, hawks and other beautiful birds is worth to price of admission — and that isn’t much. Admission is free for children under 5, $1 for children ages 6-12, $3 for adults and $1 for seniors 62 and over.