The public boat launch at Higgins Ferry, always a favorite spot of locals, has grown tremendously in popularity in recent years.

Park Ranger Frank Atkinson said a sign off Interstate 65 installed in the past year or so has done wonders for park attendance.

Alabama Power Company, who owns the property, will have the public boat launch and its parking lot repaved in early August.

Among other things, Atkinson said the repaving should eliminate a hump in the launch that has caused boaters problems when backing up their vehicles to the water.

Unfortunately, this means the launch will be closed for a few days, from Aug. 9 until it reopens again Aug. 20.

When finished, the park will emerge as nice as ever and be one the county’s top draws for our residents and visitors to Chilton County.

Alabama Power should be commended for planning to finish the work on the quick turnaround, which will only affect one weekend.