Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

LBW Community College has recently completed upgrades to its recreation areas, aimed at providing long-term benefits to the community.

Among the projects was one made possible through contributions from George Barnes and David Barnes, allowing new fountains to be installed in the ponds at the Evans Barnes Golf Course. The fountains will help aerate the water and reduce algae while also enhancing the beauty of the course, creating a more picturesque and inviting atmosphere.

In addition to the upgrades on the golf course, the Barbara Lucas McClain Walking Trail continues to be a favorite for visitors to the campus. Since the collaborative efforts of LBW, the City of Andalusia, and the Covington County Commission to grade and pave the 1.7-mile trail, countless walkers, runners, and strollers have been enjoying the outdoors.

The trail, which surrounds the Evans Barnes Golf Course and LBW’s campus, was recently voted “Best Outdoor Recreation Area” by the readers of The Andalusia Star-News. It offers a safe, scenic, and peaceful environment for citizens and students to engage in healthy outdoor activities — an essential aspect of physical and mental well-being.

“At LBW, we believe in providing not only a top-notch education for our students but also serving as a hub for community activities,” said LBW President Dr. Brock Kelley. “We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in our area, both inside and outside the classroom. These upgrades will expand opportunities for outdoor recreation, promote wellness and strengthen our community connections. We look forward to seeing how these improvements will benefit our students, staff and local residents for years to come.”

Building Construction students are in the process of rebuilding the outdoor classroom along the trail to serve as a space for meetings and educational activities.

Recently, benches were added along the trail, allowing visitors to rest and take in the scenery. These benches provide a place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings while encouraging more people to experience the benefits of spending time outdoors.

The LBW Foundation is also offering a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to leave a lasting legacy by making a donation for a memorial plaque to be placed on each of the benches, in the amount of $3,500.

“We encourage everyone to come and experience these improvements firsthand, and we are excited to see how these enhancements will further enrich our outdoor spaces,” said LBW Director of Institutional Advancement Chrissie Duffy.

For more information about the recent updates or to donate, contact Duffy at cduffy@lbwcc.edu or 334- 881-2390.