PRESS CONTACT

Name: Monica Allen, Public Relations Manager

Phone: (251) 694-3100

New Facility Includes Fishing Pier, Affordable Boat Rentals, ADA-Compliant Facilities; Opens to Public on April 23

MOBILE COUNTY, AL — The Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS) today announced the completion of a new recreation facility that will restore public access to the J.B. Converse Reservoir - commonly known as Big Creek Lake - while maintaining strict protections for the region’s drinking water supply.

The new recreational facility represents a major milestone in MAWSS effort to balance environmental protection with responsible public access to one of the most important resources in Southwest Alabama. It was developed in consultation with state and local officials.

The facility will open on April 23. Information on rental prices, operating hours, and links to book boats is available online at www.jbconversefishing.com.

“Converse Reservoir provides drinking water for hundreds of thousands of people in our community and protecting that resource will always be our top priority,” said Bud McCrory, MAWSS Director. “This new facility shows that we can responsibly provide recreational opportunities while safeguarding the reservoir that so many families depend on every day.”

The J.B. Converse Reservoir is the sole source of drinking water for approximately 350,000 residents in Mobile and Baldwin Counties, making its protection a top priority for the safety and well-being of the region.

In 2025, the reservoir was closed to recreational use following recommendations from outside experts and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to prevent the introduction of invasive species. Earlier this week, MAWSS announced a successful settlement agreement with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources that allows MAWSS to manage reservoir access to protect drinking water while providing recreational opportunities for area residents.

The opening of Melvin E. Pierce Memorial Park at Fox Landing marks the successful implementation of this carefully designed recreation plan, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the reservoir while maintaining the highest standards of water quality protection.

The park will provide safe, controlled recreational access through a variety of amenities, including boat rentals, fishing opportunities, and improved public facilities.

The park will operate Wednesday through Sunday, with Mondays and Tuesdays reserved for maintenance. Hours will run 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Spring and Summer, and from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Fall and Winter.

MAWSS is also opening an additional 1100 acres of the reservoir for fishing, bringing the total available to 1800 acres, more than double the 700 previously available. Areas protected by booms, the booms themselves, and pumping stations will remain off-limits for recreation.

Boat Rentals and Fishing Access

Visitors will be able to choose from several affordable on-site boat rental options available in four-hour increments. Boat rental options and prices are below:

• Fishing Kayaks – $10

• Motorized Jon Boats – $25

• Motorized Skorpion Crappie Boats – $50

Guests may also bring their own kayaks for a $10 access fee, and all outside kayaks must be cleaned and decontaminated by staff before entering the reservoir to prevent the introduction of invasive species.

To further keep costs low for boaters, all listed prices for motorized boats include fuel.

Because MAWSS cannot guarantee proper sanitization of outside boats in accordance with federal invasive species treatment guidelines, outside boats other than kayaks are not allowed.

Free Fishing and New Amenities

For visitors who prefer to stay on land, the park will offer several free recreational opportunities, including:

• A new 100-foot fishing pier
• Free bank fishing
• A pavilion and picnic area
• ADA-accessible restrooms
• On-site parking and improved lake access

The facility is part of a broader plan to create a new recreational amenity for Mobile County, providing an affordable outdoor destination for families, schools, civic groups, and anglers. The project is being funded by MAWSS and an anonymous private donor without raising costs for ratepayers.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own bait, fishing poles, coolers, chairs, water, and snacks to enjoy at Melvin E. Pierce Memorial Park.

More information is available online at www.jbconversefishing.com.