Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden could soon see $15 million in renovations. A plan to upgrade the park was presented over a year ago but wasn't acted on, according to Gadsden Mayor, Craig Ford.
"I'd say I like about 60% of [the original plan]. There's 40% that I had a different vision for that I wanted to see it be a little bit more grander, I guess I could say. It is such an important asset that we have," said Ford. " You cannot go wrong investing in Noccalula Falls. It will bring in more tourists. We have tourists that come from all over the nation to come see Noccalula Falls on any given weekend, from Spring all the way to the end of Fall. "
Park visitor Sheldon Hale has been to the Falls several times.
"We were driving on the interstate, we always get off and come by," said Hale. "We just enjoy the natural atmosphere of the place and the falls."
The natural gem in Gadsden is due for some upgrades.
"What we've been doing is band-aiding the Falls. Putting one little project into place, one project," said Ford.
The city is now looking to invest in a $15 million facelift for the park.
"We are trying to make it where the aesthetics of the mountains and the Falls still doesn't upset the neighborhoods. Where we don't have zip lines running across everywhere or something of that nature. We want to make it where it is more of a log cabin feel. More of a Gatlinburg style," explained Ford.
Trail improvements, better signage directing people to the Falls, and updating the campground are included in the plan.
"Now you have campgrounds that have these yurts and tiny houses. What we've had in the past is just a pad where a motor home goes and that's where some people set up their tents. We need new electricity. We need to redo our pool," said Ford. "We need a new office at the campground. We need a new entrance coming in and out. The biggest part is the sewage and drainage for the campers."
Other projects at the park included adding more bridges and building train sheds for the park's electric trains.
Ford explained the funding for the project will come from a loan or bond. It will be paid off with money from the park's Christmas at the Falls event. Ford said the event brings in around a million dollars each year.
"The city has always had an agreement with our parks and recs department to take the million dollars and reinvest back into the Falls," said Ford.
Adding to the area around the park is a goal too, like building a new fire station with a log cabin facade and getting more businesses near the Falls.
" The process was let's get the Falls going first and then recruit some restaurants and retail shops across the street," said Ford. "We've actually been on the phone with a hotel developer, restaurants, and some mom-and-pop shops to help redo that little corridor. We're also talking about a new gateway coming up the mountain. We'll call it the Noccalula Corridor Gateway."
These improvements could result in more tourism in the area.
"Tourism is the best type of industry you can bring to your area. It is clean. People come in, they spend their tax dollars and then they leave. In the meantime, what that's doing is creating jobs. We can take their money and reinvest into our schools, roads, and bridges. If we had one thing to capitalize on it would be tourism and we have the best asset," said Ford.
Hale hoped the natural beauty would remain a focus.
"If it becomes too commercial, I think we would be a little disappointed in that. But there's always room for improvement and things you can add to continue the beauty of the place," said Hale.
Ford added the city is already working with government bankers to decide which funding method is best. Drawings for drainage, sewer, and the fire station are also underway.
Ford said right now the estimated cost is $15 million, but if more is needed, the project funding could be upped to $20 million.
"That's part of the conversations we've been having with the financial institutions," said Ford.