Amid public outcry from off-road enthusiasts — who complained they couldn’t enjoy all the park had to offer with their families without coolers— the Cullman County Commission voted Tuesday to rescind its previous ban that prompted an immediate flood of social media posts, phone calls, text messages and a packed commission meeting.

The county approved tighter restrictions at the park following the death of 21-year-old Hannah Bates of Cullman, the third in a year’s time.

Visitors will still be required to wear seat belts and safety harnesses. The speed limit in the parking lot has been reduced from 10 miles per hour to 5 miles per hour. Commissioners and other county officials are evaluating other proposals to prevent accidents.

The change Tuesday comes after backlash from park visitors, several of which attended the meeting to voice their concerns — not about park safety — but about not being allowed to bring coolers for non-alcoholic items like drinks, snacks and insulin.

“You’ll probably never hear this from a politician, but I can own up to making a mistake,” said Commissioner Garry Marchman about the cooler ban.

His comments were echoed by Chairman Kenneth Walker and Commissioner Kerry Watson, and all three thanked those in attendance Tuesday for sharing their concerns. One Walker County resident who said she was a frequent park visitor urged the county to post a deputy on site to catch “the ones who are causing the trouble.”

In a Facebook post Tuesday, Stony Lonesome Park said: “We are terribly sorry that we haven’t been able to answer all of the questions and concerns regarding the cooler ban. We will be checking coolers throughout the park at any given time to retain our zero tolerance alcohol policy. This will include a cooler check before entrance into our trail system.”

Commissioners had discussed just that, as well as having a deputy on site, as options during its work session prior to enacting a cooler ban at its February meeting.

Walter John Cornelius III, 29, of Altoona has been charged with manslaughter for an ATV wreck that killed Bates in an accident Feb. 24.

She was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Cornelius who was initially charged with public intoxication at the scene, court records show. The park remained closed following the accident until March 1 when it reopened with new restrictions aimed at improving safety.

Over the years, there have been several accidents at the park. Park rules advise visitors to stay on marked trails and obey all signs, gates and barriers. Rules also state the park is not liable for any injury to visitors, and visitors are required to sign a legal waiver.

The victim’s father, Lionel Bates, asked the county commission to enact new safety regulations and alleged park employees consumed alcohol on site.

County Attorney Chad Floyd said the county had no further comment about Bates’ allegations. He and county officials stand by the waiver they require visitors to sign which states they assume all risk and agree to not hold the county liable for any accidents and injuries at the park.

In other business Tuesday, the Cullman County Commission:

Approved Feb. 27 meeting minutes, appropriations, expenditures, payroll, requisitions and all journal entries to be posted.

Held a public hearing and approved a development agreement between the Cullman County Commission and AGCOR Steel, LLC in compliance with Amendment 772 of the state constitution.

Approved signing of Amendment 772 of AGCOR Steel, LLC in conjunction of the company’s expansion to a second location in Good Hope and retainment of its original Vinemont location.

Approved $2,288,850 tax abatement for NAFCO over 10 years equipment and building, which does not include education revenue.

Authorized Chairman Kenneth Walker to sign FTA Fiscal 2018 certifications and assurances on behalf of CARTS.

Authorized County Administrator to sign change orders to the Smart Fusion Software agreement as the county switches to a new accounting software system.

Reappointed Joe Minor to Joppa Water Board for a six-year term. The appointment was Chairman Walker’s.