Montgomery, Ala. - Gov. Robert Bentley has declared April 23, 2011 "Picnic in the Park Day." This family-oriented event is an excellent opportunity to learn what Alabama State Parks have to offer. The public is encouraged to visit one of the participating state parks on April 23 and bring along a picnic to enjoy with your family.
Picnic in the Park Day open house events and specials across Alabama:
Chewalca State Park in Lee County
Drawing for a free weekend of camping.
DeSoto State Park in DeKalb County
Campground open house. Gates will be open from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Lodge lobby will be set up with light refreshments.
Country store will hold a drawing for DeSoto related gift items.
A chalet and lodge room will be open for people to view.
Florala State Park in Covington County
The walking trail will be open to the public.
Gulf State Park in Baldwin Country
Golf course will offer a free bucket of balls, one bucket per person.
Nature center will have a nature walk, nature time and a movie or slide show.
Sightseeing charge will be waived at the Gulf State Park Pier.
One cottage will be open for the public to view, refreshments served from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Entrance fees at the Beach Pavilion will be waived for cabin and campground guests and seniors. Half price for the public.
Joe Wheeler State Park in Lauderdale, Limestone and Lawrence Counties
Open House for some of the facilities.
Free park entrance.
Lake Guntersville State Park in Marshall County
Discounted rental on flat bottom fishing boats and canoes.
Register for a free two-night stay in accommodation of your choice, based on availability.
Picnic lunch special in restaurant.
Annual Riverside Trash Roundup guests may participate with our park naturalist in this eco-friendly event that celebrates Earth Day. Those participating in this event for at least two hours will receive a certificate for one FREE Sunday brunch with the purchase of one adult brunch (not valid on Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day and Christmas).
Lodge room will be open for viewing.
Register to win a free stay in a Lodge room, a free stay in the campground and a free round of golf (three separate drawings).
Lake Lurleen State Park in Tuscaloosa County
All Children 11 years old and under free entrance.
Adults (12 and older) pay one entrance fee and get one entrance fee at half price.
Canoe and peddle boat rentals will be $2 off regular hourly rate.
Register to win a free two-night camping trip: basic site - Sunday through Thursday only (excludes holiday and football game weekends.)
Monte Sano State Park in Madison County
A cabin will be open for display to the public.
Entrance fee will be reduced to $1 for everyone.
Oak Mountain State Park in Shelby County
4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the park from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Two hunts will be held: one hunt will be at 11 a.m. and the second hunt will start at 1 p.m.
Easter egg hunt, face painting, cake hop, hayrides, moonwalk, sack races, food and drinks.
An appearance by the Easter Bunny.
Paul M. Grist State Park in Perry County
Boat rentals will be discounted to half price.
Drawing will be held for two fee nights of camping, based on availability.
Rickwood Caverns State Park near Warrior, Alabama
Cave tours will be discounted by $2 for the day.
Roland Cooper State Park in Wilcox County
Free bank fishing.
Jon boat rental, half price.
Hiking and biking trails open to the public.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com .
