Mobile County Finishes Kayak Trail Through Delta Waters

Posted on: May 12th, 2014 | News and Announcements

Mobile County will open and dedicate a three-mile paddle trail through the exquisite Mobile-Tensaw Delta at a ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 12 at the beach in Chickasabogue Park in Eight Mile. ?The goal is to give people the tools to enjoy our pristine Delta waters and to promote healthy activities in Mobile County,? said Mobile County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood, who led the effort to build the trail starting in 2012. Named the Ron Jones Paddle Trail, the route features signs and guideposts to help kayakers and canoeists navigate between the county?s Chickasabogue Park and William Brooks Park in Chickasaw. The trail is named for the late Ron Jones who advocated for the paddle trail while serving as the County Parks and Wildlife Manager. His wife, Linda, will be part of the dedication ceremony, along with local environmental and elected officials. The trail features interpretive panels that give a history of the creek and the parks, along with explanations of flora and fauna along the way. Decorative directional signs are planted in the waters along the route, especially at critical junctures where turns may be confusing. Signs will also provide information on fishing trails along the way. The round-trip excursion without stops or detours takes about three hours, according to George Crozier, the former head of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, who worked as lead consultant on the project. A more relaxed pace might take up an entire afternoon. ?This is a great opportunity for family excursions that is as educational as it is fun,? said Mobile County Commissioner Jerry Carl. ?This is about quality of life and the ability to enjoy the beauty of nature that surrounds us,? said Commission President Connie Hudson.