May 13, 2009

Mountain bikers have a new changing room and bike wash facility at Oak Mountain State Park thanks to local Boy Scouts, the Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers (BUMP) and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

There will be a dedication ceremony for the new facilities on Saturday May 16, 2009 at 8 a.m. The ceremony will be held in the South trailhead parking lot. The public and media outlets are encouraged to attend.

The changing room was built as part of an Eagle Scout project by local scout Andrew Tucker of Troop 119. The changing room was sponsored by BUMP, Nick Marinelli of Lowe’s, and ready mix concrete company Sherman Industries of Birmingham. Lee Neal and other BUMP volunteers were instrumental in the construction of the changing room and bike wash facility. Oak Mountain State Park provided the location and helped coordinate the construction process.

“This project is good example of how private citizens are helping to improve public facilities for the benefit of everyone who enjoy our state parks,” said Dr. Mark Richman, Birmingham area physician and BUMP member.

BUMP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building, preserving and maintaining bike trails in Birmingham and the surrounding area. BUMP is currently working to expand the mountain bike trail system at Oak Mountain State Park. For more information about BUMP visit their Web site at www.bump.org.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.