The Chilton County Parks and Recreation Department recently adopted a new mission statement.

The department hopes to “provide and protect outstanding, natural, scenic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations.”

The statement also says the department wants to “strive and provide all guests with beautiful facilities that are family oriented, safe, and well maintained.”

Chilton County Parks and Recreation Director Gerald Arrington spoke to the Chilton County Commission in August regarding new updates to several things at Higgins Ferry Park.

One of the items Arrington told commissioners about was a new set of rules and regulations for Higgins Ferry Park as well as new camping fees.

The rules and regulations are for all campers who visit the park who must adhere to the rules during the period of their stay.

Arrington provided commissioners with a set of the rules, which all campers are given when they arrive at the park.

The rules and regulations are:

•The park reserves the right to refuse service to any RV based upon its appearance and/or condition.

•All outdoor items must be kept clean and orderly.

•Nothing will infringe onto a neighboring site (parked vehicles, trailers, satellite dishes, etc.).

•All trash should be placed in dumpster located in front of the Higgins Ferry Park Ranger’s house.

•Only one camping unit and two vehicles are allowed per site.

•Quiet hours are from 10 p.m.-6 a.m.

•Pets must be on a leash at all times and can not be disturbing to other guests. Owners are required to clean up pet waste.

•Do not wash clothing, cooking utensils, or dishes in the restrooms.

•The possession or use of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs is prohibited.

•No noisy, intoxicated or disorderly persons or loud parties shall be allowed in the campground.

•Campfires are not permitted unless in a self-contained unit. Fires must be attended at all times.

•Children under 18 are the responsibility of their parents or guardians, and need to be with them during quiet hours.

•Absolutely no use of firearms, explosives, or fireworks in the park.

•Failure to follow rules and regulations will result in dismissal from the park with refund.

Commissioners voted during the Aug. 25 commission meeting to approve a new set of rates for campers at Higgins Ferry Park, effective Oct. 1.

Rates at the park have not been changed since 2005, and slightly increased for park visitors.

The new rates include increases for the water and electricity at campsites to $17 per night and full RV hook-up sites with water, sewer and electricity to $21 per night.

Weekly rates are $125 and monthly rates (limited number of sites available) are $375.

Off-season rates available Oct. 1- March 31 include a monthly storage plus plan of $100 plus $17 per night occupied or $275 monthly.

A senior discount was increased from 10 percent to 15 percent (discounts do not apply on major holidays, weekly, monthly, or off season rates).

Pavilion rental is $50 per day.

Arrington told commissioners during the meeting that Higgins Ferry Park Ranger Jacob Sim was instrumental in establishing the social media aspect for Higgins Ferry Park.

The park now has a Facebook page with updates about the park.

Individuals can also follow Chilton County Parks and Recreation on Twitter for Minooka and Higgins Ferry Park news.