Anniston awarded $597,520 grant for Michael Tucker Park Trailhead

Oct. 10—Called the "Gateway to the City of Anniston" by city officials, Michael Tucker Park is getting a facelift thanks to a $597,520 grant awarded to the city.

The grant, a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant administered through the Alabama Department of Transportation will allow the city to improve various amenities in the park at 6514 Weaver Road, just south of the city of Weaver.

Improvements will be made to parking, campsites and seating for park patrons.

Toby Bennington, director of economic development and city planning, said the grant requires a 20 percent match from the city.

Bennington said that because the TAP grant does not cover improvements to the bathroom and shower facilities, the city has applied for a recreational trails program grant.

"We submitted that application so we should be hearing anytime now on whether or not we were successful," Bennington said Monday.

Bennington said development of the seven-mile Chief Ladiga Trail extension that will connect the park to downtown Anniston is continuing on schedule. By late November or early December the city will be accepting bids for the contractor to build the extension, Bennington said.

Bennington is looking forward to the future of the park, the trail and Anniston.

"If we're successful on all fronts then it will obviously offer a safe environment, good safe parking and gathering location for walkers and for bicyclists that are using the Chief Ladiga Trail," he said.

Bennington said the park will offer a comfortable feel for people who are pausing there.

"Whether they're coming all the way from metropolitan Atlanta or Piedmont or Jacksonville, it's a place to stop, rest, replenish before heading on into downtown Anniston," he said.

The park is named in memory of Dr. Michael Tucker, a noted Anniston physician and longtime bicycle enthusiast.

On Monday at the park about a dozen cars were seen in the parking lot adjacent to the Chief Ladiga Trail. One of those trail users, Mindy Poe, was seen unloading her bike for an afternoon ride.

"I ride here often, and I see car tags from all over the Southeast, and even from around the country. I believe the Chief Ladiga Trail is low hanging fruit as far as ecotourism," Poe said. "Michael Tucker Park is Anniston's first chance to make a good impression on all these people traveling here to park, It is the gateway to our city"

Poe said the grant will help ensure Michael Tucker Park presents a positive impression of Anniston that will provide all trail users with amenities and ultimately, perhaps, plays a part in increasing ecotourism.

"The Chief Ladiga Trail is a treasure, and I am excited Anniston has this opportunity to enhance the park as we look forward to the extension of the Chief Ladiga Trail into downtown Anniston," she said.

Anniston Mayor Jack Draper said the city is very pleased to receive the TAP grant.

"The Chief Ladiga Trail is a tremendous regional ecotourism asset, the city is excited that the trail will extend into Anniston," he said.

Staff writer Bill Wilson: 256-235-3562. On Twitter @bwilson_star.