Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill
Walker County Lake is set to see its most transformative improvements in decades.
State and local leaders gathered at the lake on Thursday, June 5, to announce a series of changes aimed at making the lake a more accessible and family-friendly destination for outdoor recreation.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is leading the project, with support from Representative Matt Woods, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Workforce Greg Reed, and the Walker Area Community Foundation. The upgrades are part of a statewide effort to invest in outdoor spaces.
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Deputy Commissioner Ed Poolos, a Jasper native, outlined the planned improvements:
- New Entrance Gate and Roadway: A modern, automated gate and upgraded entrance road.
- Expanded Parking and Utilities: New parking facilities and essential infrastructure updates, including septic and wastewater systems.
- Two New Concession Buildings: Visitors will soon enjoy upgraded spaces to purchase fishing licenses, bait, and snacks.
- Restroom Facilities: Restrooms will be added both near the concessions and on the far side of the lake, addressing a common request from users.
- Barndominium-Style Event Space: A flexible, open-air event venue for weddings, reunions, civic groups, and more, overlooking the lake and accommodating up to 130 guests.
- Dock Improvements: Plans to replace and expand the docking facilities, increasing access to fishing and boating.
Construction is expected to go to bid later this summer or early fall, and officials hope to use local contractors for the work.
“We want this project to be built by Walker County contractors for Walker County residents,” said Poolos.
Walker County Lake has long been a local favorite for fishing and relaxing. Representative Matt Woods said he has enjoyed the lake since childhood and still visits often. “These facilities will be on par with what you see in our best state parks,” he said. “This is the people’s lake, and they deserve the best experience possible.”
Secretary Reed echoed those sentiments and highlighted how projects like these align with the larger vision of Innovate Alabama, a state-led initiative aimed at retaining young talent and supporting economic development through quality-of-life investments. Outdoor recreation, he said, is a key component of making communities attractive to future generations.
Jenny Brown Short, Jasper City Council member and a longtime advocate for the lake, recalled years of local efforts to improve the lake.
“This lake’s story is a grassroots story,” she said. “It represents what happens when a community sees potential in something and chooses to become the change.”
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship stated that this project is part of a larger initiative to enhance public access to trails, lakes, and waterways throughout Alabama. He noted that 23 state lakes, including Walker County Lake, were originally built in rural areas decades ago but now serve much larger communities.
“We want to use this project as a model for how we can improve other state lakes,” he said.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is expected to take place in approximately a year, once construction is complete. WL
