Recently, The Tribune set out to explore all the many beautiful parks within Cullman County. We’ll visit one each week.
CULLMAN, Ala. – Sportsman Lake Park has all the elements that make a park enjoyable for the entire family. One could spend hours exploring the many features including the wildflower trails, the dog park, splash pad and walking trails. There are fun events scheduled year-round making Sportsman Lake Park one of the most popular parks in Cullman County.
As you enter the park, you are met by the park’s large playground area and the recently added splash pad. Although the splash pad has closed for the season, the spacious playground is open for kids of all ages and abilities.
Of course, the greatest feature is the lake itself where flocks of geese and ducks anxiously await to see if you brought them a snack. If you didn’t bring anything, don’t worry. The park, or perhaps the geese, have a coin-operated feeding station conveniently located near the park office. If you suffer from ornithophobia, this might not be the activity for you.
There are many types of ducks and geese in the park, and it doesn’t take long to discover who the beggars are. Two ducks in particular, whom we refer to as Raymond and Rayburn, are especially curious. These two goofballs appear to be a cross between Pekin and Mallard ducks, and they peruse the park relentlessly and quite pitifully hoping for a handout and it works!
You might run into Raymond and Rayburn as you walk/jog/bike the 1.4-mile trail around the park and lake. The trail winds around the back of the lake, near Veterans Memorial Park, the park office, train depot and through the wooded pavilion and camping areas. It’s a fantastic place to meet friends for some exercise or to walk your dog.
Fitness stations are located around the walking trail to help you add a little extra to your exercise routine. There are additional walking trails in the wildflower trails located on the right as you travel to the back of the park.
The wildflower trails are a peaceful escape from the main park. Small benches, swings and bridges are located near the trellised entrance. On a sunny day, the streams of light through the trees can be breathtaking. A steam flows through the center creating a great place to find some peace and quiet. It’s also a great spot for a photo op.
The trails inside the wildflower area can have some steep spots so be sure to wear appropriate shoes. The many types of trees and plants located inside makes for an interesting adventure and a great location for a plant identification project.
If walking on a leash is not your dog’s idea of a good time, in the wooded area behind the fairgrounds is the Sportsman Lake Park dog park. There is plenty of room for your pooch to run off leash and burn off his or her excess energy. There are creeks and areas throughout the park where dogs love to splash around and play. As always, be sure to clean up after your pet.
During the fall, the park employees are busy at work preparing for the Christmas season. The park will be magically transformed into a Winter Wonderland that families are sure to love. As the lights are going up, some of the park’s amenities are not open, including the 18-hole putt-putt golf course, the train, paddle boats, the back pavilions and the concession stand. Folks can still come out for a day of fishing. Workers will be around to assist you, or you can pay using the park’s honor system.
Sportsman Lake Park is also a place for camping with primitive campsites and RV hookups available.
Sportsman Lake Park has countless places to sit alone with your thoughts or to gather with a group of friends. It has things to help you get fit and places to sit around and lounge. It is a great park to bring your kids or your dogs, take a romantic stroll or get away from it all. The park is open each day from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and is beautifully maintained by Cullman County Parks and Recreation.
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