Wetland boardwalk now open to public
Published 8:00 am Friday, May 16, 2014
- Wetland front.jpg
Last Thursday marked the completion of the wetland boardwalk construction project at Lakeside Park in Pell City. A ribbon cutting was held for the constructed wildlife area, where children and adults are welcomed to experience the wetland’s flora and fauna in a living, outdoor classroom.
President of the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association (LMLPA) Mike Riley greeted a crowd full of community and officials at the presentation of the wetlands. “We are honored that you took time out your day today. Galatians 6:9 says, ‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.’ This is what we got,” said Riley as he gestured toward the boardwalk behind him. The wetlands project started several years ago but has been eagerly anticipated since its beginnings.
The undertaking had a very well thought out and planned beginning. LMLPA was instructed to come up with a long-term project, and after a lot of research and creativity the team landed on the idea of a wetland boardwalk. A wetland is a piece of land that is typically always covered in water. Wetlands take on characteristics of the ecosystem in its surroundings, making the wetlands found in Pell City the perfect site for an observation boardwalk. LMLPA is hopeful that the community as well as its schools will take full advantage of the opportunity to observe such a fascinating habitat.
Another member of LMLPA, Isabella Trussell spoke on the development process and all the hard work that went into making the boardwalk a possibility. Trussell told the crowd that the process consisted of two steps. The first, according to Trussell, was forming an idea, and the second was seeking permission.
Trussell said that LMLPA members stomped all around to find the best possible wetland site. She said that they landed on the one they chose for several reasons. First, there is a handicap accessible trail nearby. Secondly, it is located directly behind the Kiwanis’ amphitheater, and finally, there is less boardwalk required to get to the wetlands. “It was a lot of work and very technical, very detailed. I want to thank everyone involved because it has been many years of hard work,” said Trussell.
Former mayor of Pell City, Bill Hereford and Mayor Joe Funderburg were also in attendance for the presentation. Hereford extended words of gratitude toward the LMLPA, deeming it one of the best associations in the Pell City community. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what this organization does,” said Hereford.
Funderburg nodded in agreement with Hereford, “What more can I say? Y’all have done a great job,” said Funderburg. The mayor said that, for him, it was easy to jump on board for such an innovative and exciting project. Funderburg addressed the community in his final remarks. “ Aren’t you proud to be a citizen of Pell City today? Enjoy your park and your wetlands.”
