Additions planned for Sherling Lake Park

Three miles outside of Greenville lies one of Mother Nature's most peaceful works of perfection. The constant murmur of crickets, the occassional whack of a golf club and the mere silence of the lake remind visitors that Sherling Lake Park is a living portrait.

But, in the near future, visitors will be able to see more parts of the picturesque park compliments of a Recreational Trail Program grant from the State of Alabama along with a $10,000 match from the City of Greenville.

The plans for an addition to Sherling Lake Park have been in the works since 1999 when the City of Greenville first made application to extend the existing walking trail.

The grant will allow an extension of the trail from the southeastern end around the southern and western sides of the lake and then connect back over the spillway to the northwest shore. The trail is proposed to be approximately 10 feet wide and will be surfaced with natural materials and/or raised walkways, such as footbridges, to allow for minimal disturbance to the natural settings. Not only will the addition provide a closer view of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, but it will also allow fishermen to access both sides of the lake.

But, this will not be the first time Sherling Lake Park has seen improvements. "The first project, the lower trail, was begun in 1985," said Philip Herring, park manager. "At that time, we added the pavillion, several camp sites as well as the trail."

Since then, the number of campsites and picnic areas have continually increased."When the golf course was built, we wanted to offer more facilities for campers who also wanted to play golf. Both have been really successful," he said.

Herring explained that the increase of the size of the park along with Cambrian Ridge has increased the number of campers and visitors. "We just keeping growing and this addition to the trail is just going to be super."

As of now there is no completion date set for the project, but the city is currently working with bidders.