A spirit of camaraderie and community service echoed through Brantley Lake State Park as volunteers, park staff, and representatives from The Great Outdoors Fund and Occidental (Oxy) joined forces to restore a beloved recreational amenity: the fishing dock at the park’s Seven Rivers boat ramp. Five years after its removal due to safety concerns, the anticipation and excitement were palpable as the project to reinstall the dock and enhance accessibility for all visitors finally came together. The new low-maintenance, ADA-compliant dock and walkway is something community members have been requesting for years.
“The outpouring of support from our partners has been truly inspiring,” remarked Lori McCullough, Founder of The Great Outdoors Fund. “This project is a testament to what can be achieved when individuals, organizations, and businesses come together with a common goal: to enhance equitable access to the great outdoors.”
Occidental, the key partner in the endeavor, reaffirmed its commitment to the communities it serves. “We believe in giving back, and investing in projects like this is a way to enrich the lives of our neighbors and visitors alike,” stated Terry Banken, Asset Director from Occidental. “Restoring the fishing dock provides a recreational outlet and fosters a deeper connection to our public waters.”
Upon completion of the project, the volunteers gathered to celebrate over a well-deserved lunch.
“While we were there, we already saw people casting their lines in hopes of catching the biggest fish in the lake,” McCullough added. “And that’s the reason we do what we do, to ensure people will be able to enjoy all the lake has to offer for years to come.”
With its enhanced accessibility, the dock promises to be a gateway to adventure and relaxation for individuals of all ages and abilities.
To learn more about The Great Outdoors Fund and all the projects it’s currently working on, please visit thegreatoutdoorsfund.org.
