GUNTERSVILLE, Ala. – The Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA), the official destination marketing organization for Visit North Alabama, recently announced the addition of a new adaptive mobility vehicle that will expand accessible outdoor recreation opportunities at a North Alabama state park through funding provided by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).
During a press conference today at Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge, AMLA unveiled a new mobile terrain vehicle for Lake Guntersville State Park, an AMLA member destination. The specialized all-terrain mobility vehicle will allow visitors with mobility challenges to explore trails and experience the park's scenic beauty with greater independence. The purchase of the all-terrain mobility vehicle was made possible by funding from TVA.
"We are incredibly grateful to the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association and the Tennessee Valley Authority for their generous support in making Alabama's great outdoors more accessible for everyone," said Matthew Capps, director of the Alabama State Parks System. "This mobile terrain vehicle will allow more visitors to experience the natural beauty of Lake Guntersville State Park, creating opportunities for adventure, connection and lifelong memories that might not otherwise have been possible."
Other officials echoed Capps' sentiments.
"TVA is proud to support the expansion of accessible outdoor recreation so everyone can experience the beautiful natural spaces across north Alabama," said Lauren Pelto, Alabama Director of Government and Community Relations. "At TVA, we invest in partnerships that power progress, drive economic growth, protect our environment, and improve quality of life in the Tennessee Valley. Every dollar reflects our mission and commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities."
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship said, "I am so excited for the new Trackchair at Lake Guntersville State Park, and I appreciate our partnership with TVA and the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association that made this possible. This new mobile terrain device continues our commitment to make our Alabama State Parks accessible for all. We have invested in accessible playgrounds, paved ADA trails and parking areas, scenic overlooks and ADA cabins, hotel rooms, and other facilities. I look forward to more projects and partnerships like this all across Alabama."
The new mobile terrain vehicle represents another step toward ensuring that more residents and visitors can enjoy North Alabama's mountains, lakes, trails and outdoor attractions, regardless of mobility limitations.
"Expanding access to North Alabama's amazing outdoor experiences continues to be one of our priorities," said AMLA President/CEO Tami Reist. "Thank you to TVA's generous support, this adaptive mobility vehicle will help remove barriers and provide more opportunities for people with different mobility needs to experience the beauty of our state park."
A mobile terrain vehicle is designed to provide people with mobility challenges access to outdoor areas that are often inaccessible to traditional wheelchairs, including trails, natural landscapes and uneven terrain.
The addition is part of AMLA's ongoing accessibility initiative to make North Alabama a more welcoming destination through strategic partnerships, adaptive equipment, professional accessibility assessments and innovative technology that enhances the visitor experience.
In October of last year, AMLA launched a region-wide accessible-friendly destination initiative with the unveiling of a new website and travel tools. Today, AMLA continues to prioritize accessible tourism across the region with the recent donation of 50+ wheelchairs and 15 Meta Smart Glasses to tourism-related venues and a mobile terrain vehicle to Joe Wheeler State Park and now to one at Lake Guntersville State Park helping ensure North Alabama remains a welcoming destination for travelers with disabilities, limited mobility and sensory sensitivities.
For more information about North Alabama's accessible travel resources, visit www.accessiblenorthal.com or call Reist at (256) 318-4446.
About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA): The official destination marketing organization for Visit North Alabama, AMLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the $4.9 billion North Alabama travel industry within the 16 northernmost counties of the state. It is supported by 500-plus members consisting of attractions, festivals, accommodations, chambers of commerce, convention & visitors bureaus, communities, campgrounds, golf courses, restaurants, local retailers and vendors. Counties included within the AMLA region are Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston. Additional information on North Alabama destinations, accommodations and special events is available by calling 800.648.5381, by visiting www.NorthAlabama.org and by following us on social media @VisitNorthAL.
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 www.alapark.com.