Alabama State Parks will add four aerial adventure parks this summer including installations at Wind Creek, DeSoto, Lake Guntersville, and Cheaha. Screaming Eagle Adventures of Banning Mills, Ga., was awarded the contract. State representative Mark Tuggle (R-Alexander City), is a strong supporter of the project.
Screaming Eagle Zip Line Canopy Tour at Banning Mills is six courses and more than 10 miles long.
“The park system operates almost entirely from the funding they bring in, not tax dollars. With ecotourism as an expanding industry and its popularity around the country growing, I know the park will benefit by adding new adventure opportunities, Tuggle said. These new aerial attractions will bring thousands more to the park.”
This new agreement will be similar to other recreational concession agreements already in place at parks around the state. Private businesses develop and maintain attractions at the parks and the parks receive a portion of the revenue they generate.
“We’re honored to join in this partnership with Alabama’s State Parks,” said Mike Holder, owner of Screaming Eagle. “Our top priority in developing these zip lines, ropes courses and other aerial adventures will be in protecting the natural beauty of the parks and ensuring the safety of park guests.”
While the new aerial attraction will have a minimal impact on the natural environment, the economic impact from the project is huge. This economic impact affects much more than the state parks, but helps to bring guests to the local businesses surrounding the park.
Screaming Eagle currently holds the Guinness Book of Records for the world’s longest zip line at Banning Mills, Ga. The zip line is more than 10 miles long and attracts about 30,000 visitors a year. All four of Alambama’s parks are scheduled to be open in time for summer.
