Blue Springs State Park
| Blue Springs State Park | |
| Alabama State Park | |
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| State | Alabama |
| County | Barbour |
| Elevation | 302 ft (92 m) [1] |
| Coordinates | 31°39′41″N 85°30′27″W / 31.66139°N 85.50750°WCoordinates: 31°39′41″N 85°30′27″W / 31.66139°N 85.50750°W [1] |
| Area | 103 acres (42 ha) |
| State purchase | 1963 |
| Management | Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
  Location in Alabama
| |
| Website: Blue Springs State Park | |
Blue Springs State Park is a publicly owned recreation area located 7 miles (11 km) east of Clio in Barbour County, Alabama.[2] The 103-acre (42 ha) state park features a clear blue, natural underground spring that pumps 3,600 US gallons (14,000 l) of water per hour into two concrete-ringed swimming pools.[3]
History
Harrison's Hotel built in 1890 was among the first efforts to turn the village of Blue Springs into a health spa. Ten years later, J.T.E. Whigham began work on the Blue Springs Hotel, which eventually featured 28 rooms and modern bathhouse. In 1913, the spring pool was lined with concrete and another smaller pool designed for use by children was added to the site. The area became a popular spot for political rallies, three-day horse-trading events, and annual reunions of Confederate soldiers. The large pool remained in operation until about 1938.[4][5] J.D. McLaughlin sold the property to the state for the creation of a state park in 1963.[3]
Activities and amenities
- Swimming: The natural spring for which the park is named has a sandy bottom, pumps 3,600 US gallons (14,000 l) of water per minute and stays at a constant temperature of 68 °F (20 °C). Swimming (without lifeguards) is permitted.[6]
- Camping: The park has modern and primitive campsites, rental cabins, and rental campers.[2]
- Fishing: A small pond is stocked with catfish, bass, and bream.[7]
- Picnicking: The park's picnicking facilities include pavilions for rent.[8]
- Playground: A playground made from 100% recycled material with two main structures suitable for children ages 2-5 and 5-12 and a large sandbox for younger children was added in 2014.[9]
- Volleyball: The park's sand volleyball court offers tournaments in spring and summer.[10]
References
- 1 2 "Blue Springs State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
- 1 2 "Blue Springs State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- 1 2 Thomas V. Ress (August 5, 2015). "Blue Springs State Park". Encyclopedia of Alabama. Alabama Humanities Foundation. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ↑ Sulzby, James Frederick (1960). Historic Alabama Hotels and Resorts. Tuscaloosa, Ala.: The University of Alabama Press. p. 70-73. ISBN 0-8173-5309-7. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ↑ "History: Blue Springs State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ↑ "Swimming: Blue Springs State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ↑ "Fishing: Blue Springs State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ↑ "Pavlions: Blue Springs State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ↑ "Playground: Blue Springs State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ↑ "Volleyball: Blue Springs State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
External links
- Blue Springs State Park Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources