TVA Grant Helps Expand Accessible Outdoor Recreation at Lake Guntersville State Park

During a press conference at Lake Guntersville State Park on Tuesday, August 11, representatives from the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA), the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) unveiled a new mobile terrain vehicle at Lake Guntersville State Park, increasing outdoor recreation at the park for those with mobility challenges.

The specialized all-terrain vehicle will allow park visitors with mobility challenges to explore areas of the park that are often inaccessible to traditional wheelchairs including trails, natural landscapes and uneven terrain. The purchase of the all-terrain mobility vehicle was made possible by funding from TVA.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association and the Tennessee Valley Authority for their generous support in making Alabama's great outdoors more accessible for everyone," said Matthew Capps, Alabama State Parks Director. "This mobile terrain vehicle will allow more visitors to experience the natural beauty of Lake Guntersville State Park, creating opportunities for adventure, connection and lifelong memories that might not otherwise have been possible."

ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship echoed Capps' comments.

"I am so excited for the new trackchair at Lake Guntersville State Park, and I appreciate our partnership with TVA and the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association that made this possible," said Commissioner Blankenship. "This new mobile terrain device continues our commitment to make our State Parks accessible for all. We have invested in accessible playgrounds, paved ADA trails and parking areas, scenic overlooks and ADA cabins, hotel rooms, and other facilities. I look forward to more projects and partnerships like this all across Alabama."

The new mobile terrain vehicle represents another step toward ensuring that more residents and visitors can enjoy north Alabama's mountains, lakes, trails and outdoor attractions, regardless of mobility limitations.

"TVA is proud to support the expansion of accessible outdoor recreation so everyone can experience the beautiful natural spaces across north Alabama," said Lauren Pelto, Alabama Director of TVA Government and Community Relations. "At TVA, we invest in partnerships that power progress, drive economic growth, protect our environment, and improve quality of life in the Tennessee Valley. Every dollar reflects our mission and commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities."

AMLA has launched a region-wide, accessible-friendly destination initiative to increase access to outdoor recreation across north Alabama. AMLA continues to prioritize accessible tourism with the recent donation of 50 wheelchairs and 15 Meta Smart Glasses to tourism-related venues across the region, and a mobile terrain vehicle to Joe Wheeler State Park and now to one at Lake Guntersville State Park.

"Expanding access to north Alabama's amazing outdoor experiences continues to be one of our priorities," said Tami Reist, AMLA President/CEO. "Thanks to TVA's generous support, this adaptive mobility vehicle will help remove barriers and provide more opportunities for people with different mobility needs to experience the beauty of Lake Guntersville State Park."

Learn more about outdoor mobility devices at Alabama's State Parks at www.alapark.com/outdoor-mobility-devices.

ADCNR's State Parks Division maintains 21 state parks encompassing more than 50,000 acres of land and water in Alabama. The parks range from Gulf Coast beaches to Appalachian Mountains and provide opportunities and facilities from basic day-use activities to resort convention lodging, restaurants and golfing areas. These parks rely on visitor fees and the support of other partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations. Learn more at www.alapark.com.

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