By CASSANDRA MICKENS / Associate Editor

 COLUMBIANA — Oak Mountain State Park’s elevated treetop boardwalk will undergo repairs after buckling under the weight of children and adults out on a school field trip late last year.

The Shelby County Commission approved a resolution March 24 to repair the boardwalk through a partnership with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The county and the DCNR will each provide up to $28,249 for repairs, with the county’s share coming from its lodging tax revenues.  Shelby County Manager Alex Dudchock approved the lowest bid for repairs from Richard Sprouse Construction at $56,498.

This past November, a group of about 100 students, parents and teachers from Pleasant Grove Elementary were on a guided walking tour when a section of the boardwalk became loose.  No one was injured.

Oak Mountain State Park’s Treetop Nature Trail is currently closed. According to the park’s website, it’s uncertain how long the repairs will take.