Improved Outdoor Spaces, New Businesses at Heritage Landing, and the Honoring of a High School Wrestling Team Highlight the Goings-On in Dora
Words by Anna Vaughn | Images by Ryan McGill
It’s an exciting time of improvement for the City of Dora’s outdoor spaces!
Mayor Randy Stephens says that many of the city’s current projects are focused on improving outdoor spaces with the intent to encourage the community to have fun while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“We’re trying to get more people out and moving by giving them an opportunity to exercise and play,” he says.
This month, the city completed its project of lining the Horse Creek walking trail with LED lights. The lights span 2.5 miles, starting at Highway 78 and ending at the City of Lights Dream Center on Austin Circle.
The city is also working on an improvement project for Dora Lake, including a new road and entrance, pavilion, restrooms, picnic area, and lakeside walking trail. The project has already been approved and funded. Construction will begin within 60 days, finishing in late fall of 2023.
The recreational spaces at Dora Park will also see improvement in the form of a wheelchair-accessible swing, pathway, and entrance to the playground.
“Right now, it can be difficult for those in wheelchairs to navigate the gate and the sidewalks. So, we’re making improvements to give those people an opportunity to use the playground,” says Stephens.
Plans for a pickleball court at Dora Park are also in the works. One of the three tennis courts at Dora Park will be converted into two pickleball courts. The project has been approved, and the city is accepting bids for construction.
In addition to new improvements in recreational spaces, citizens of Dora can also be on the lookout for new shops and businesses coming soon to Heritage Landing. This 50-acre lot, located off I-22, is currently being annexed by the Drummond Company. The annexation should be complete within the next month, and construction of new complexes will begin soon after.
Lastly, the Dora High School wrestling team will have their recent state championship win commemorated with the placement of a sign outside of the school, courtesy Representative Matt Woods – Alabama State House District 13.
Principal Paige Abner told The Walker Leader, “We appreciate all the well-deserved accolades shown to our team for being the first State Champions at Dora High School. This special team set a goal and worked hard to achieve it! It has been a joy and a blessing to be a part of such a great time that I know we will all remember for years to come.” WL
