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The E.L. Turner park recreational trail is closed until further notice for some much-needed resurfacing improvements.

The resurfacing project consists of resurfacing the existing half mile asphalt trail in Luverne, Ala. by utilizing a rubberized walking surface funded in part by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) through a grant from the Alabama Scrap Tire Fund, as well as the Alabama Department of Economic & Community Affairs’ (ADECA) Recreational Trail Program. 

The purpose of the rubberized surface is to provide a healthy, safe, joint-friendly walking/running experience unique to the region and its more than 10,000 annual users. 

E.L. Turner Park was constructed in the late 1970’s for recreation. 

The focal point for regional recreation in the Crenshaw County area, the park originally consisted of baseball fields and tennis courts, and over the years added the walking trail and recently a state-of-the-art playground. 

The existing trail existing trail is in much needed repair requiring resurfacing due to asphalt cracking and deterioration from oxidation and exposure to the elements over time. 

The new trail surface consists of over 125 tons of recycled rubber tires and is the epitome of utilizing an innovative form of renewable resources through recycling. 

Over 300,000,000 scrap tires are disposed of in the United States every year creating 3,600 million pounds of waste rubber. 

This project utilizes roughly 20,800 scrap tires. 

The overall resurfacing project cost is approximately $150,000, with $50,000 provided by the ADEM Scrap Tire fund, $90,000 provided by the ADECA RTP fund, and over $10,000 in local in-kind funds provided by the City of Luverne.

Luverne City Engineer Michelle Royals asks that everyone please keep off the trail until after all construction is completed and the trail is officially re-opened. 

Walking on the surface prior to completion could damage the finished product, particularly during these extreme temperatures, leading to unwanted patches or otherwise uncalled for expensive repairs.

This article was submitted to The Luverne Journal.