Press Release: Autauga Creek Mile Marker Handoff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 10, 2024 – 10 AM

Alabama Scenic River Trail Handoffs Mile Markers to Autauga Creek Improvement Committee

Prattville, AL – The Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) proudly handed off mile markers to the Autauga Creek Improvement Committee (ACIC) on July 10, 2024. This significant event marks a continuation of ASRT’s commitment to improving paddler safety and waterway navigation through its Mile Marker Program.

ASRT’s Mile Marker program, in collaboration with Jacksonville State University, enhances river safety by placing standardized signage along waterways, similar to highway signs. These markers help local emergency responders improve response times, increasing safety for all water enthusiasts. This program is only possible through ASRT’s work with local partners like the ACIC.

The ACIC, a recipient of one of this year’s Waterway Enhancement Program (WEP) grants, has been instrumental in promoting water recreation and safety in the Prattville area. The mile markers provided by ASRT’s program will enhance people’s paddling experience on Autauga Creek, ensuring greater user confidence and safety on the water.

“We (ASRT) are delighted to have the opportunity to continue our relationship with the Autauga Creek Improvement Committee in this way. We appreciate all they’ve done to get more people out on Alabama waters. Autauga Creek is an amazing resource in the Prattville area. We cannot wait to see how many more people can enjoy this community resource with these mile markers,” said Andrew Szymanski, Executive Director of ASRT.

Several Alabama state representatives attended the handoff event, including Senator Clyde Chambliss, Representative Jerry Starnes, Prattville City Council Marcus Jackson, and Prattville Mayor Billie Gillespie Jr.. Other notable attendees included several ASRT Staff and Board members, Skip Lobmiller, President of the ACIC, and Patty VanderWal from the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce. Prattville Paddlesports was on hand, and many ACIC board members and volunteers were also in attendance.

During the event, Szymanski opened by thanking everyone and speaking about the history of ASRT, the mile marker program, and ASRT’s Waterway Enhancement Program award made to ACIC towards purchasing and installing a new Autauga Creek dock & launch point. Skip Lobmiller, ACIC President, then spoke about the years of work the ACIC has done and thanked the City and ASRT for supporting their efforts. Senator Chambliss shared memories of growing up using the creek and emphasized the importance of investing in the creek to benefit both residents and visitors. Representative Starnes highlighted the state’s active support for outdoor recreation. Mayor Gillespie Jr. expressed his excitement about the increased investment in Autauga Creek and the City’s ongoing efforts to develop new experiences for residents. Szymanski then closed by thanking all in attendance and acknowledging the legislators for their role in helping to fund ASRT’s organization and programs.

Following the formal handoff, the event concluded with paddlers participating in ASRT’s Summer Paddle Series on Autauga Creek. This paddling series, designed to connect paddling enthusiasts across Alabama, provided a perfect backdrop for celebrating the soon-to-be-installed new mile markers and engaging the local community in a shared love of water recreation.

For more information on the Mile Marker Program (under About-Programs & Initiatives) or the Summer Paddle Series (under Get Involved), please visit the ASRT website at alabamascenicrivertrail.com.

About Alabama Scenic River Trail:
The Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) enhances community development in water recreation and tourism across more than 6,000 miles of rivers and streams, including the longest National Water Trail in the United States. ASRT promotes water safety and education for all levels of the public utilizing Alabama’s waterways.

Media Contact:
Martha Grace Mize
Development and Outreach Coordinator
Alabama Scenic River Trail, Inc.
media@alabamascenicrivertrail.com
Work: 205.523.5834