Frank Jackson State Park on Tuesday added a new amenity to its offerings for park visitors.

Park Manager Chris Jones said the eight new primitive campsites are in a secluded area of the main campground.

“They have 20-amp electrical double boxes,” he said. “We have brand new picnic tables, fire rings, and a bathroom for guests.”

Alabama State Parks Director Greg Lein was on hand and commended officials at Frank Jackson and the Trailmasters for their collaboration on the project.

“It’s great that we can partner with the community and other government,” he said. “We can’t serve the community by ourselves. We have had a lot of local assistance with volunteerism.”

Lein said Frank Jackson State Park is a great example for the entire state park system and is often used as a measuring stick.

Lein said under Jones’ leadership the park gone from being in the red financially to being in the black.

“We are going to do everything in our power to help this park stay on that path,” he said.

Sen. Jimmy Holley, who represents Covington County is the state senate, said he’s seen the park grow immensely in the last 40 years.

“The things that have been done – the improvements – are heartwarming,” he said. “This is prosperity. We can get others to visit with us, where we call come in the Wiregrass.”

Rep. Mike Jones said the new campsites are a asset for the community and state.

Chris Jones said he was happy about the opening.

“We’re so happy to open these beautiful campsites to our guests,” Chris Jones said, The campsites were funded with money allocated by the state legislature, and with the help of the county and our great volunteers, the project was completed within five months. The Opp Trailmasters have been instrumental in bringing about this and many other projects at Frank Jackson.”