MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced a $137,509 grant to assist the city of Vestavia Hills in converting part of a former country club golf course into a city park.
The grant, awarded through the federal Recreational Trails Program, will be used to build additional trails at the Altadena Valley Park and make other improvements as the property – once part of the former Altadena Valley Country Club – is transformed into a full-fledged public park.
“This public park will provide an excellent recreational venue for residents of Vestavia Hills and others in Jefferson and Shelby counties,” Gov. Ivey said. “I am pleased to announce this grant in support of this project to bring new life to an old facility.”
The project will include constructing about 2,850 feet of 8- foot-wide asphalt trail to connect with existing trails. A 70-foot bridge will be repaired, and lighting and signage will also be installed.
The Recreational Trails Program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration and is administered in the state by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.
“This trail will add significantly to the greenspace available in the greater Birmingham area, and it also has the possibility of being linked to other trails in the area,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in support of this project.”
Gov. Ivey notified Mayor Ashley Curry that the grant had been approved. The city has pledged $34,377 in local funds for the project.
ADECA manages a range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.