ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — A Baldwin County Commission work session discussion Tuesday to open Bicentennial Park for weekend visitors quickly expanded to renewed efforts to seek volunteers, grants and donations for construction of facilities to house Baldwin County artifacts which have been secured for the site.

John Jackson, director of the Archives and History Department, said he and park director Nick Warren will open the park Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., to assess visitor numbers and work out the kinks prior to a permanent weekend schedule which may begin the following weekend. Admission is free.

Commissioner Frank Burt said area residents have contacted him about weekend availability, and that the county will consider using county employees on a “flex time” basis, or hire part-time greeters.

“If we are going to kick something off, we have to spend a little money,” Burt said, adding that he would make a personal donation this weekend.

Jackson said a park “ambassador” who is familiar with the park is needed to answer questions and watch for vandalism of artifacts contained in structures already constructed.

He also said the park needed a golf cart for handicapped or elderly visitors who may not be able to walk the miles of nature trails and exhibits throughout the park, located on State Road 225 about two miles south of Stockton.

“We want access for everyone,” Jackson said. We have put a spotlight on county history. People expect it to stay on. People are constantly calling with questions and to donate artifacts for display.”

Visitors are asked to check in at the Bicentennial Park Welcome Center and pick up pamphlets and maps that describe the Davida Hastie Nature Trail, park exhibits and historic sites within Baldwin County.

The trail contains Baldwin County’s indigenous flora, fauna and wetlands. The wetland pavilion offers visitors an outdoor classroom to view and study various species which inhabit the 367-acre park.

As visitors continue along the trail, they will view the park’s various exhibits, including a 1910 country store which has been restored and stocked with period items, the Indian Lifestyles exhibit which features four winter homes and a replica 1800s trade house as well as the Veteran’s Memorial Park which commemorates the lives of soldiers involved in the country’s conflicts.

A working farm contains subsistence crops typical of the early 1800s. The harvest is donated to various food banks throughout the county.

The park also offers two pavilions for picnic lunches or just to relax and enjoy the surroundings. No alcohol is allowed on the ark premises.

For more information or to schedule a guided tour of the Baldwin County Bicentennial Park, contact the Baldwin County Department of Archives and History at 251-580-1897, or 251-610-0006.