Summerdale looking towards exciting 2020

By Jessica Vaughn
Posted 12/16/19

SUMMERDALE - We’re approaching 2020 quickly, and the town of Summerdale is looking for a bright beginning of a new decade.

“I’m excited about the new fiscal year that’s coming along in …

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Summerdale looking towards exciting 2020

Posted

SUMMERDALE - We’re approaching 2020 quickly, and the town of Summerdale is looking for a bright beginning of a new decade.

“I’m excited about the new fiscal year that’s coming along in 2020,” said Mayor David Wilson. “There’s a lot of things that are going to change in Summerdale.”

The town recently approved map plans for a new walking disc golf course located near the town barn property. They hope to join forces with Foley so citizens can enjoy the joint Foley/Summerdale trail. The investment for the new project will be approximately $6,000. Based off the success of the disc golf trails currently located at Graham Creek Nature Preserve in Foley, the council believes the investment will be well worth it.

With the approval of the 19/20 budget came the approval for new tennis courts. Governor Kay Ivey recently announced grants totaling $2.6 million to improve outdoor recreational facilities in 12 Alabama communities. The awards were made through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund.

“Alabama parks, playgrounds and trails promote healthier lives and happier people,” said Ivey. “These projects will encourage people to enjoy Alabama’s outdoors, and they will help create memories that will last a lifetime. I commend local leaders for understanding that parks and playgrounds contribute so much to a community’s health and well-being.”

Grant recipients are required to equally match the amount of the award with cash or in-kind commitments. Summerdale was awarded $234,100 grant monies to be put towards the construction of the four lighted tennis courts and a parking area on a 2.5-acre city-owned site. The new courts will be located at the intersection of First Street and East Jefferson Street.

Councilmembers showed interest in looking at the possibility to build basketball courts in the future following the construction of the tennis courts. Also in the future are plans to redevelop the tobacco warehouse which the town purchased in 2018, as well as a potential partnership with Baldwin County to repave Highway 71.

Another exciting opportunity is going to the Summerdale Police Department. Chief Kevin Brock was recently approached by Metal Flowers Media in association with The Discovery Channel for potential filming to be done with Summerdale officers.

“The group wants to come and ride with some of our officers,” he said. “These are the people who produced Ice Road Truckers and multiple reality shows. This one will be based on police officers being trained to drive safely, showing how they control the vehicles and how they drive safely in various situations.”

The council reacted with enthusiasm to the suggestion.

To learn more about Summerdale, check out their website at www.summerdaleal.com.