Blue Springs State Park

Blue Springs State Park is a publicly owned recreation area located seven miles (11 km) east of Clio in Blue Springs, Barbour County, Alabama.[2] The 103-acre (42 ha) state park features a clear blue, natural underground spring that pumps 3,600 US gallons (14,000 l) of water per hour into two concrete-ringed swimming pools.[3]

For the similarly named state park in Florida, see Blue Spring State Park.
Blue Springs State Park
Location in Alabama
Location in the United States
LocationBlue Springs, Barbour County, Alabama, United States
Nearest cityClio, Alabama
Coordinates31°39′41″N 85°30′27″W[1]
Area103 acres (42 ha)
Elevation302 ft (92 m)[1]
DesignationAlabama state park
Established1963
AdministratorAlabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
WebsiteBlue Springs State Park
Pools at Blue Springs State Park, Alabama
Swimmers at Blue Springs State Park, Alabama

The park's recreational area was expanded in 2013 when the Forever Wild Land Trust purchased 100 acres adjoining the park for the purpose of providing hiking trails. The Magnolia Trail, along with two short connector trails, opened in 2018. The trail crosses two miles of southeast Alabama forest and provides views of the west fork of the Choctawhatchee River. The trailhead is located in the park with most of the trail traversing the adjacent Forever Wild Blue Springs State Park Addition.[4]

History

Harrison's Hotel, built in 1890, was among the first efforts to turn the village of Blue Springs into a health spa. Ten years later, J.T.E. Whigham began work on the Blue Springs Hotel, which eventually featured 28 rooms and modern bathhouse. In 1913, the spring pool was lined with concrete and another smaller pool designed for use by children was added to the site. The area became a popular spot for political rallies, three-day horse-trading events, and annual reunions of Confederate soldiers. The large pool remained in operation until about 1938.[5] J.D. McLaughlin sold the property to the state resulting in creation of the state park in 1963.[3][6]

At the entrance to the park is a stone monument dedicated to Dr. James Daniel McLaughlin (1880-1953), a medical doctor who attended Atlanta College for Physicians and Surgeons and the medical extension program of the University of Alabama in Mobile.[7]

Activities and amenities
  • Swimming: The natural spring for which the park is named has a sandy bottom, pumps 3,600 US gallons (14,000 l) of water per minute and stays at a constant temperature of 68 °F (20 °C). Swimming (without lifeguards) is permitted.[8]
  • Camping: The park has modern and primitive campsites, rental cabins, and rental campers.[2]
  • Fishing: A small pond is stocked with catfish, bass, and bream.[9]
  • Picnicking: The park's picnicking facilities include pavilions for rent.[10]
  • Playground: A playground made from 100% recycled material with two main structures suitable for children ages 2–5 and 5-12 and a large sandbox for younger children was added in 2014.[11]
  • Volleyball: The park's sand volleyball court offers tournaments in spring and summer.[12]
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References
  1. "Blue Springs State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  2. "Blue Springs State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  3. Thomas V. Ress (August 5, 2015). "Blue Springs State Park". Encyclopedia of Alabama. Alabama Humanities Foundation. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  4. "New Hiking Trail Opens". Outdoor Alabama. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
  5. Sulzby, James Frederick (1960). Historic Alabama Hotels and Resorts. Tuscaloosa, Ala.: The University of Alabama Press. pp. 70–73. ISBN 0-8173-5309-7. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  6. "History: Blue Springs State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  7. Thomasson, Curtis (June 29, 2019). "Whigham, McLaughlin families are united through marriage". Andalusia Star. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
  8. "Swimming: Blue Springs State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  9. "Fishing: Blue Springs State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  10. "Pavlions: Blue Springs State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  11. "Playground: Blue Springs State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  12. "Volleyball: Blue Springs State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
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