County has opportunity to restore camp that meant so much to so many

Published 5:10 pm Saturday, November 19, 2016

The Dallas County Commission agreed Wednesday to take control of Camp Grist. Last year, the commission fought to take control of Paul M. Grist State Park when the state of Alabama decided to close it due to budget cuts.

Now, the commission has complete control of the park and has an opportunity to restore the camp part to what it once was to so many in Dallas County, a special place to experience nature in a beautiful place while camping there as children.

The camp was leased by the YMCA of Selma-Dallas County, but the Y asked the state to allow the county to take over the camp as well. The county having control of the park and camp is a great thing. A group of volunteers that has dedicated their time and effort into fixing up the park will now have the opportunity to do the same with the camp.

Email newsletter signup

Dallas County Commission Chairman Kim Ballard said the camp, which has many buildings still standing, has great potential to serve the youth. In a day and age where being outside isn’t something most children do anymore, it is important to have something that can provide that experience.

A lot of people have a lot of memories at the camp, and under the county the camp has the potential to create many more memories. We wish the county luck in its endeavor and hope to see the camp restored so it can provide countless opportunities for people in Dallas County. The park and camp is a tremendous asset to the community.