The Alabama State Parks Foundation teed off its inaugural golf tournament at the stunning Oak Mountain State Park earlier this week, bringing together community leaders, outdoor enthusiasts and supporters for a day of purpose-driven play.
This exciting four-person scramble on Monday, April 21, wasn't just about great swings and friendly competition — it was about making a lasting impact. Every dollar raised goes directly toward enhancing Alabama State Parks by supporting unforgettable outdoor experiences, improved facilities and innovative programming for visitors of all ages.
The event generated $42,500, with all proceeds benefitting the Alabama State Parks System.
"We are so thankful for all of the teams that participated in our first Foundation golf tournament," said Alex McCrary, who serves as the president of the Alabama State Parks Foundation's board of directors. "The Oaks Course at Oak Mountain State Park was in immaculate condition, and we received positive feedback from golfers who thoroughly enjoyed the tournament. We appreciate them for supporting the Foundation and wanting to support our incredible state parks."
As the philanthropic partner of the Parks Administration, the Foundation is on a mission to elevate Alabama's natural treasures. Its passionate members are champions of a bold vision: A stronger, more vibrant statewide park system that inspires generations to explore and connect with the outdoors.
With 17 teams hitting the greens, the inaugural tournament was a resounding success, and it's just the beginning. Organizers expect this high-energy event to become a can't-miss annual tradition, driving even greater support for Alabama's beloved parks year after year.
"The golf tournament is our first public-facing fundraiser, and it's wonderful way for us to let more people know about all of the ways the Foundation is making a positive impact at our State Parks," McCrary said.
The Foundation has received large donations from the Caring Foundation of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, as well as Buffalo Rock, the Alabama Power Foundation, Daniel Foundation, Thompson Foundation, Encompass Health, and The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham.
Hundreds of other individuals have made donations to help Alabama State Parks thrive. Donations to the Foundation can be made online at https://asparksfoundation.org/individual-donations/.
The Foundation contributed heavily to construction of a new, state-of-the-art playground at Joe Wheeler State Park, thanks largely to $100,000 from the Daniel Foundation and $50,000 from the Thompson Foundation.
Other recent projects involving the Foundation include partnering with Buffalo Rock to purchase patio furniture for Wind Creek State Park, Lakepoint State Park and Meaher State Park, securing a grant from The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham to install a new playground at Rickwood Caverns State Park, and working with a fraternity from the University of South Alabama to purchase a track chair for Gulf State Park.
"Our Alabama State Parks are a true treasure that every Alabamian can enjoy, and the Foundation plays a pivotal role in the State Parks System's success," Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps said. "We appreciate everything the Foundation does to make our State Parks better than ever."
The State Parks System continues its renovations throughout the state, thanks to voters' overwhelming approval of an $80 million bond issue for state parks in 2022. Lake Lurleen State Park recently re-opened after undergoing a complete renovation, and two other projects are expected to finish later this year — the addition of a new, bluff-side lodge at Cheaha State Park and the completion of an executive campground at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores.
To learn more about the Alabama State Parks Foundation or how to make an individual or corporate donation, visit asparksfoundation.org. Donations can be earmarked for individual projects, like the new playground at Joe Wheeler State Park, or contributed to the Foundation's overall efforts to improve and sustain the Alabama State Parks System.
About the Alabama State Parks Division: The Alabama State Parks is a division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and maintains 21 state parks encompassing more than 50,000 acres of land and water in Alabama. The parks range from Gulf Coast beaches to Appalachian Mountains and provide opportunities and facilities from basic day-use activities to resort convention lodging, restaurants and golfing areas. These parks rely on visitor fees and the support of other partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations. Learn more at alapark.com.
About The Alabama State Parks Foundation: The Alabama State Parks Foundation is the first statewide non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Alabama State Parks System. The Alabama State Parks Foundation strives to make the parks system better than ever, whether through funding deferred maintenance projects, helping clean-up after natural disasters such as hurricanes or tornadoes, or building new amenities. Learn more and donate at asparksfoundation.org/.