Parks aplenty on
Neely Henry & Logan Martin
Story by Linda Long
Discover Archives photos
Submitted photos
Each year thousands of people flock to one of the public parks on Neely Henry and Logan Martin lakes. Alabama Power operates two of those parks, Ten Islands at the Henry Neely Dam, and Logan Martin Park, now named Double Cove, next to Logan Martin Dam.
But that’s not all to choose from. Lakeside Park, located adjacent to the Pell City Civic Center and run by the city, is another popular spot.
Josh Yerby of Alabama Power explained that in addition to providing hydroelectric power to its customers, the company also provides all kind of opportunities for recreation, which is why it has begun a new initiative called “The Preserves.”
“The nature of Alabama Power land holdings lend themselves to extensive green and natural spaces that can play host to and offer a variety of unique outdoor activities,” he said “The Preserves are core to the Alabama Power ideal of merging nature with crafting special places. These lands allow people to enjoy, learn and grow a deeper appreciation of our state’s ecology and natural landscape.
“They allow our citizens to access and enjoy our lakes. They are inclusive and open to all. The Preserves will be located throughout our service territory with varying amenities, such as playgrounds, trails, boat ramps, picnic areas and fishing piers.”
Those amenities are exactly what draw visitors to both Ten Islands and Double Cove. Yerby says the newest addition at Ten Islands is an almost 2-mile nature trail complete with rustic designed gazebos sporting their tin roofs.
“This park is a very popular place for people to go,” said Yerby. “It’s part of the Alabama Birding Trail, which always draws a lot of visitors.”
Double Cove
Logan Martin Park, known as a mainstay of Alabama Power-operated parks was renamed Double Cove by Alabama Power as part of The Preserves.
Yerby says the park offers a two-and-a-half mile hiking trail and a new playground for the kids and is completely handicapped accessible. It’s equipped with a boat launch, swimming area, picnic areas and fishing piers.
Both Alabama Power Parks are day use, free admission and are open from dawn until dusk.
Yerby explained that while Alabama Power is required to provide recreational opportunities for stakeholders, according to their license, “we go above and beyond those requirements with additional facilities and by exceeding the industry standard for recreation sites. Our mission is to create and maintain amenities for people of all interests to enjoy while promoting healthy lifestyles, economic development and adding positive contributions in each community.”
Lakeside Park
Lakeside Park in Pell City is another favorite. Picnic areas and pavilions are available along with an approximately one-mile, non-motorized walking trail and Kids Kastle, an impressive and imaginative playground the community built in a single weekend.
The park is a popular spot for fishing tournaments, including national and state brands, like Bassmaster Classic, Crappie USA and Alabama Bass Trail. It most recently hosted the inaugural Huk Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by Tourney X presented by Abu Garcia. It drew 243 boats and anglers from around the country.
The park itself is 67 acres fronting Logan Martin and features dozens of ways for the entire family to enjoy the outdoors.
From picnics to swimming at the park’s beach to fishing from its docks or launching your own boat, Lakeside Park is quite a destination point for outdoor enthusiasts.
There are four pavilions for rent, an Alabama native plant walking garden, the Wetlands Project with viewing platform, an amphitheater and outdoor exercise equipment.
But arguably the most popular destination point of all is the splash pad. With its 40-plus water features, there’s no mistaking the fun in the sun for kids. It features pavilions for rent for events, like birthdays, and it even has after-hours, private party opportunities.
It’s closed on Mondays for maintenance, and it is open seasonally from May to Labor Day.
