Stony Lonesome

Visitors to Stony Lonesome OHV Park will see stricter rules when the facility re-opens Thursday.

During a work session of the Cullman County Commission Tuesday, the new rules were agreed on during an informal discussion. Commissioners formally approved the rule changes during the regular meeting Tuesday.

The decision comes after a wreck Saturday at Stony Lonesome claimed the life of Hannah Bates, 21, of Cullman.

Under the tightened rules, no coolers will be allowed on the trails and visitors will be required to wear seatbelts and safety harnesses, effective immediately.

Bates’ father, Lionel, attended Tuesday’s meeting and pleaded for the commission to make safety improvements to the park. The man, who wasn’t immediately identified, said alcohol at the park is the number one problem behind accidents and alleged that park employees drink with patrons.

“There’s a lot of safety issues down there. And alcohol is the worst one of them. Alcohol apparently is approved there. The staff drinks with them. The man who run off the cliff couldn’t even stand up,” Lionel Bates said.

“How long did my daughter lay under this RZR (all-terrain vehicle)? How long? Could she get a breath? Don’t let this happen again to nobody else.”

The speed limit in the parking lot will also be reduced from 10 miles per hour to 5 miles per hour. Commissioners and other county officials will evaluate other proposals to prevent accidents.

The park has been closed since the accident Saturday. Two people were killed last year in an accident at Stony Lonesome.