Foley will receive $163,620 in state-awarded federal grant funding to expand outdoor recreation opportunities at Wolf Creek Park, one of six Alabama communities sharing approximately $1.2 million for trail and recreational facility projects.

Gov. Kay Ivey awarded the grants through the federal Recreational Trails Program to support projects ranging from new trails and campsites to observation structures and other outdoor amenities, a news release said.

In Foley, the funding will support construction of a 115-foot elevated boardwalk, an observation tower and a parking area at Wolf Creek Park. The boardwalk and parking area will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The city also plans to install signage at the park.

Ivey notified Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich that the grant had been approved. Foley will contribute a $40,905 local match toward the project.

“These projects will encourage exercise and boost the quality of life for residents,” Ivey said in the release. “I am pleased to award these funds, which will help create new opportunities for residents and visitors alike to appreciate the state’s natural beauty.”

The Recreational Trails Program receives funding through the Federal Highway Administration and is administered in Alabama by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

“Well-maintained trails are beneficial to people of all ages and make communities more attractive places to live,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA is pleased to join Gov. Ivey in support of these projects offering new ways to enjoy the outdoors.”

The other grants will fund recreational improvements in five Alabama communities.

Anniston will receive $199,180 to construct a 950-foot-long, 8-foot-wide connecting trail between the Berman Museum and the Longleaf Event Center. The city will provide a $49,795 local match. Ivey notified Mayor Ciara Smith-Roston of the grant approval.

Decatur will receive $321,129 to develop trailhead parking and a 7,750-foot-long, 8-foot-wide biking and walking trail connecting to the existing Dinsmore Slough Trail at Wheeler Wildlife Refuge. The city will contribute $80,282 in matching funds. Ivey notified Mayor Kent Lawrence of the award.

Garden City will receive $297,751 to build eight recreational vehicle campsites equipped with water, sanitary sewer and electrical service. Plans also call for a trail connecting the campsites to existing park amenities and the kayak launch at Garden City River Park. The Cullman County town will contribute $74,438 in matching funds. Ivey notified Mayor Timothy Eskew of the grant approval.

Mentone will receive $160,000 for improvements at Brow Park, including 900 feet of 6-foot-wide trail, a 20-foot-by-20-foot elevated overlook and an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant parking area. The DeKalb County town will provide a $40,000 local match. Ivey notified Mayor Rob Hammond of the award.

Sylvania will receive $80,000 to rehabilitate the existing quarter-mile Kendra Dendy Currie Memorial Trail in Sylvania Town Park. The DeKalb County town will contribute a $20,000 match. Ivey notified Mayor Terry McClendon of the grant approval.