Registered voters in Alabama will get to cast a vote on a state parks amendment on the primary election ballot as elections approach this May 24.
When approved, the amendment will provide a fund of $85 million for the improvement and maintenance of state parks, according to a report.
Alabama State Parks Director of Sales Sherry Sellers said the parks bring joy and relaxation to the community, and voting “yes” for the preservation of the parks would allow officials to improve the state parks for everyone.
“To continue to maintain the parks and to continue to provide new amenities and you know to preserve the existing ones and continue to keep it a place where people enjoy coming,” said Sellers.
Fisherman Alonzo Piett said he was diagnosed with PTSD after an explosion at his work. He promptly retired due to the realization that “life is too short not to enjoy the outdoors,” adding that the parks are his favorite place to sit and worry about anything but fishing.
“It’s beautiful as you can see it’s wide, as everybody knows this is the home of the bass, fish don’t get no better, and the state keeps it clean. Fish, fish, fish,” said Piett.
Sellers said people host weddings, birthday parties, and family reunions, and it’s important to maintain spots like parks.
“They love the environment. First of all, Lake Point it’s a very peaceful area. It’s nice and quiet. You can fish, you can camp, and we host a variety of different events,” she said.
Piett said he hopes the state would use a portion of the fund to build a dock for fishermen without boats and actions regarding the alligators in the area.
“Containing the alligators, people like to come fish on the bank, and if you’re caught slipping, and there is one sitting there, or you just look behind you, and your kid is gone because there is so many alligators out here.”
This article originally appeared on WTVM.