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Chilton County moves to expand Manuka and Higgins Ferry parks, considers online reservations and kayak rules
Summary
Commissioners and staff discussed expanded programming and facilities at Manuka and Higgins Ferry parks, including a spring event, allowing personal kayaks with life‑jackets, temporary caretakers, cabin grants, branded merchandise, and a proposed contract with RoverPass for online reservations and payments.
Chilton County commissioners heard a broad update and multiple requests aimed at expanding recreation use and revenue at Manuka Park and Higgins Ferry Park.
Commissioner Bone and staff described a busy spring schedule and said the parks are generating modest revenue now and are on pace to be self-sustaining. "This week... a little over $65," a parks staffer said when reporting recent park takings. Staff reported the Manuka Campground is sold out for an upcoming spring event called a "spring fling," and described planned music, food trucks and family activities to draw county residents to the parks.
Commissioners discussed a set of operational changes and requests: a resolution to hire two temporary caretakers (six‑month maximum); consideration of an employee discount for county workers at park facilities (25% and 50% proposals were discussed); permission to allow visitors to bring their own canoes and kayaks onto Manuka's 7‑acre lake with life‑jacket and signage requirements; and development of a revenue stream from branded shirts and other merchandise.
On park reservations and revenue management, county staff demonstrated RoverPass, a cloud‑based campground reservation service. Staff said RoverPass will build the park pages and interactive maps at no startup cost to the county, and that two fee models apply: a $3.50 processing fee per booking for reservations initiated from the county's own website (the county retains full site revenue), or a 12% commission when reservations originate through RoverPass's marketplace. Staff said RoverPass has waived start‑up fees and will populate the system using county-supplied photos and site data; the proposed contract term is one year with a 90‑day cancellation clause.
Commissioner Perkins asked for a resolution to authorize a contract with RoverPass; commissioners directed staff to place the item for formal action on the next agenda. "I'm gonna ask for a resolution that we enter into a contract with them," Perkins said.
On water recreation, staff said insurance reviewed allowing privately owned kayaks and determined that, while the county's exposure increases, it would not raise insurance cost; staff proposed requiring life jackets on water and signage and limiting the number of vessels at one time. "The life jacket would be worn at all times," a staff member said. Commissioners said the county is not planning to buy a fleet of kayaks immediately, though rentals could be considered later.
Other park plans discussed included seeking grant funding or purchases for small cabins to increase overnight capacity, promoting events (Easter, Halloween) and a future update on potential rentals and revenue goals. Staff asked the public to follow the new Chilton County Parks and Recreation Facebook page for event details and the soon-to-be-posted Manuka Park video.
No formal votes were recorded at this work session; multiple items were flagged for resolutions or contract action at upcoming meetings.
