Rocky Ravine gets long-awaited grant

HALEYVILLE - A major trail restoration project from Haleyville City Lake to Rocky Ravine Park is finally moving forward, after at least four years of planning, thanks to a federal $176,576 Recreation Trails Program grant.
The grant, funded through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, will require a $44,000 match from the city, officials said.
The project will provide rehabilitation to the trail by rebuilding bridges and parts of the boardwalk, stairs and handrails that, through the years, have fallen into disrepair, Governor Kay Ivey noted in a September 29 press release announcing the grant.
“The revitalization of this park and trail demonstrates the City of Haleyville’s commitment to recreation and the understanding that parks are a vital part of a city’s infrastructure,” Ivey pointed out. “I am pleased to announce this grant and I look forward to the completion of this project.”
The Recreational Trails Program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration, according to Ivey.
“The area including Rocky Ravine Park has played a significant role in the city’s history, with its stream serving as one of Haleyville’s first water sources and, in general, was a place where families gathered for picnics to escape the heat of the summers,” stressed ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell.
State Representative Tracy Estes expressed he was grateful to see the project taking the next step forward.
“This provides our community with recreational opportunities most other municipalities do not have, especially cities this size,” Estes pointed out.
Estes added he was grateful to have continually heard through the years how many people use the Rocky Ravine Park trail system.
“I think this number will only increase as the project is completed through the next phase,” Estes added.
Estes thanked State Senate Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, Haleyville Mayor Ken Sunseri and the city council, which is working with legislators for the betterment of the city, he said.
“I was thrilled when notified the funding had been approved for this project,” Estes continued. “I look forward to the conclusion of this phase, and the response from local residents for what improvements these funds have ushered into the city of Haleyville.”
Sunseri said the city had sought funding on this project the past four years, but faced obstacles.
“We were turned down three years in a row,” Sunseri pointed out. “We were tenacious. We kept going back to the state and  finding out what we had to do to change our application to receive funding.”
Several years ago, the city used its own funds to provide new wooden steps leading down into the trailhead area of Rocky Ravine Park, city officials said.
“That was part of the original contract we tried to get,” Sunseri recalled. “However, there was such a delay on it, we went ahead and did the steps so we could have access to the park.”