Paul M. Grist State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Paul M. Grist State Park |
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 Paul M. Grist State Park
Location in Alabama
Paul M. Grist State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Dallas, Alabama, United States |
| Area | 1,080 acres (4.4 km2) |
| Elevation | 344 ft (105 m) |
| Established | 1930s |
| Governing body | Dallas County |
| Website | Paul M. Grist State Park |
Paul M. Grist State Park is a fun place to visit in Alabama! It's a public park about 17 miles north of Selma. Dallas County helps run this park. You can enjoy many water activities on its 100-acre lake. The park also has great spots for camping and picnicking.
Park History
This park has an interesting past! It was built in the 1930s by a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a program that helped young men find work during a tough time. They built roads, trails, and even the dam for the lake you see today.
The park was first known as Valley Creek State Park. Later, it was renamed to honor Paul Malone Grist. He was a leader in the YMCA and helped his community a lot.
In 2015, the park faced some challenges. Like several other state parks, it had to close or reduce its services because of budget cuts. But don't worry, it reopened after just two months! Dallas County made a special agreement to lease the park from the state for 15 years. This helped keep the park open for everyone to enjoy.
Fun Things to Do
Paul M. Grist State Park offers many exciting activities for visitors. Whether you love being on the water or spending time outdoors, there's something for you!
Fishing Fun
The park's 100-acre lake is a great spot for fishing. It's filled with different kinds of fish, like bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and catfish. If you bring your own boat, you can launch it from the park's boat ramp. Just remember, only electric trolling motors are allowed on the lake. You can also rent boats right at the park!
Camping Adventures
Want to stay overnight? The park has a campground with 11 modern sites. These sites have hookups for RVs, making it easy to set up your camper. If you prefer a more rustic experience, there are also primitive campsites where you can pitch a tent and enjoy nature.
Day-Use Area
Even if you're just visiting for the day, there's plenty to do!
- Picnic Areas: You'll find many picnic tables and a large picnic pavilion. These are perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors with family and friends.
- Swimming Beach: On a hot day, you can cool off at the park's swimming beach.
- Paddle Boats: Rent a paddle boat and explore the lake at your own pace.
- Playing Fields: There are open fields where you can play games and run around.
- Shoreline Fishing: If you don't have a boat, you can still fish from the shoreline.
