July 2021 | Volume 14 | Issue 11
280LIVING.COM
THE 280 CORRIDOR’S COMMUNITY NEWS SOURCE
PROJECT IN THE MAKING Following a decade of efforts, Slingshot trail opens at OMSP By INGRID SCHNADER
A
labama’s largest state park recently received a new addition to its trail system. Oak Mountain State Park hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony in May for a new trail called Slingshot. The 3-mile intermediate trail is open to both hikers and bikers. With entrances on both Camp Road and Seven Bridges trail, no matter which direction a person takes, there are steep uphill and downhill sections. “This has been a project in the making, and it’s been on the master list since about 2010,” Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers
A mountain biker travels along the Slingshot trail at Oak Mountain State Park. Photo by Erin Nelson.
See TRAIL | page A30
Chelsea splash pad to open July 1
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A Helping Hand Longtime occupational therapist Rorie Scroggins committed to assisting Shelby County students.
See page B10
With summer in full swing, Chelsea now has a new place to beat the heat. The Splash Pad at Melrose Park recently is scheduled to open July 1. It’s next to the playground behind the Chelsea Community Center. Construction on the project began in the fall of 2020 and was initially planned to be completed by Memorial Day, but the timeline had to be extended due to The Splash Pad at Melrose Park, seen June 16 as it nears weather events and construction delays. “Obviously we are very excited about completion, is set to open July 1. Photo by Erin Nelson. it,” Mayor Tony Picklesimer said. “It’s a new adventure, and our city hasn’t had Each guest will be charged a $2 admission fee anything like this.” and receive a colored band. Bands are good for the The splash pad will feature a zero-entry wade pool entire day, allowing guests to come and go and only along with other water features. It will also have pay once. One ticket window will be for getting a Chelsea clock tower and other items to make it special to the city. See SPLASH PAD | page A31