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Just in the (Saint) Nick of time! McClellan Sports & Outdoors, the retail portion of Team Sports, is now open at 135 Exchange Ave, Anniston, AL with premiere sporting goods gifts for any age athlete, coaches, referees, and sport moms. You can find everything from golf polos, toddler sneakers, baseball bats, workout wear, backpacks, Maui Jim sunglasses, adorable earrings, and more inside their bright, spacious storefront. Team Sports' roots trace back 15 years ago to Smith's Sports in Anniston, when they first established their specialty in screen printing and embroidering team gear and uniforms. When Team Sports moved to McClellan in late 2020, the new owners knew it was the right time to finally pursue retail alongside their main services, and McClellan Sports & Outdoors was born. With a modern, wood facade and cast iron logo, the new retail store stands out from the Team Sports brand with a unique and welcoming identity all its own. "By moving here, we hope to get plugged into the community," co-owner Kristin Laymon said. "We loved the location [being] central to most of the schools in Calhoun County and being able to make those local connections." Currently, designing and printing team sports gear is the backbone of Team Sports' operations, providing uniforms for Piedmont, Alexandria, Saks, Weaver, and Jacksonville schools, among others—but Laymon hopes the retail side will help reach their audience in new, innovative ways. "We want to become the go-to place for the athletic community to get their outdoor and sporting goods needs." In the near future, Team Sports hopes to officially launch McClellan Sports & Outdoors with a Grand Opening, as well as bring in additional staff to promote and oversee the new retail venture. With the holiday season upon us, McClellan Sports and Outdoors offers the best way to both support a family-owned business and find the perfect gift for the sport enthusiasts in your life. You can find more information, by visiting mcclellansports.com or by following them on Instagram and Facebook.

McClellan residents and visitors will enjoy enhanced safety and navigation following the installation of over 24 wayfinding signs and four police security cameras courtesy of the McClellan Development Authority (MDA). The MDA initiated both of these projects last year in response to a prevailing community need for live-feed security and an overhaul of the wayfinding system. The MDA worked closely with the Anniston Police Department (APD) and Simmons Sign & Graphics (SSG) of Gadsden to lead the ventures to fruition. As of August 2023, the wayfinding signs and police cameras were being installed. MDA Executive Director Julie Moss said, "It’s so exciting to see the wayfinding signs going up as we continue to invest in the area, especially with the strong interest being shown in McClellan. We have made great strides toward development in the community and want to make sure everyone feels welcome and can enjoy all this area has to offer." She added, "We are also proud to have partnered with APD to purchase cameras to assist them with protecting our residents and businesses." The Simmons Sign & Graphics crew collaborated with the MDA staff to mark the location of each sign around McClellan using a color-coded, alphanumerical map. The first signs to go up included Baltzell Gate Road, the traffic circle, and the Summerall Gate Road/Gen. Gerald Watson Way intersection, which conjure the heaviest traffic flow. The MDA hopes the wayfinding signs will encourage more visitors to McClellan who have been previously concerned about getting lost, as well as help direct people to high-activity locations such as the FEMA Center for Domestic Preparedness, the Industrial Park, the Medical Mall, and, of course, McClellan's various recreational offerings. SSG says this is the largest project their company has ever fulfilled. In October 2022, the MDA finalized the purchase of the four live-monitoring police cameras and three years’ worth of network cards for the Anniston Police Department. The cameras, which will be placed in strategic locations around McClellan, will act as a crime deterrent and aid APD in protecting McClellan residents, visitors, and property. Some of the cameras, near the historic headquarters building and Grace Fellowship Church, have already been installed. Captain Justin Sanford of APD Special Operations Division said the cameras will provide an extra sense of security to the community. "The cameras can be directly accessed by members of the police department to respond to any safety threats in real time. They are also watchful guardians that should deter would be offenders from committing criminal acts around those areas," he added. "We are pleased to partner with the McClellan Development Authority on this project." Installation of all wayfinding signs and police cameras is expected to be completed by the end of September. For more information, call (256) 236-2011 or email info@exploremcclellan.com.

Every year since 2020, hundreds of community members gather together at the McClellan Trails and ride in the name of Sloan Harmon, a talented young mountain biker whose life was tragically cut short in 2019. To commemorate Sloan's spirit, his parents established a 501(c)(3) organization called the Soaring with Sloan Foundation and initiated a scholarship that honors his passion of mountain biking. Beginning as a small memorial ride, Shred for Sloan has transformed into a powerful annual gathering, raising money for the scholarship through t-shirt sales and donations. LEFT: Sloan Harmon; RIGHT: Shred for Sloan bikers gather at the trail marker named in his memory at the McClellan Trails Chase Garrard, who coordinates the Shred for Sloan memorial ride, said, "I think it's a healing event after such an absolute tragedy, especially for the community." He emphasized that the gathering not only pays tribute to Sloan through mountain biking, but also allows his parents to witness the positive influence their son continues to have on countless lives in the community. Central to the Shred for Sloan event is the scholarship program that provides opportunities for high school senior bikers to pursue their dreams. Any active high school senior mountain biker can apply for the scholarship, and are required to submit a compelling essay, expressing how mountain biking has transformed their lives, along with a comprehensive resume showcasing their achievements. The winners are then awarded the scholarship at the concluding ceremony of the ACA State Championship. Each year has witnessed a surge in participation and funds raised for the Shred for Sloan Scholarship, allowing them to expand the scholarship from just one recipient to both a male and female recipient. In 2023, the event amassed over $8,000 for the foundation, a true testament to the enduring support from the biking community to keep Sloan's legacy alive. Shred for Sloan scholarship recipients Emma Obermaier (L) and KB Benkwith (R) are recognized at the ACA State Championship One of the scholarship recipients, Emma Obermaier from the Donaho School, will use the scholarship to continue her biking journey at Montevallo this fall: "I am so thankful for the people with the Shred for Sloan foundation for opening such a great opportunity for young athletes, like me, to help me set my best foot forward as I step into my future with this sport." The second scholarship recipient, KB Benkwith from the Donaho School, shares a sentimental connection to the scholarship: "Sloan was a very close friend of mine, so I was beyond grateful to receive the scholarship in his name. The McClellan trails are also super special to me as it was one of my first ever mountain bike race wins...I’m very hopeful to come back and help at the [ACA] events now that I’ve graduated. I enjoy nothing more than to be in that environment." Shred For Sloan stands as a testament to the resilience of a community united by a shared love for cycling and a commitment to honoring a remarkable young life. With each passing year, the Shred For Sloan scholarship brings hope and opportunity to deserving young athletes, ensuring Sloan's legacy lives on through their journeys on two wheels. To learn more about this cause, visit the Shred for Sloan Facebook page.

The McClellan Development Authority (MDA) opens Phase II of the McClellan Trails adding another 5 miles of trails within the last four months. The 10 miles of trails were designed by Trail Solutions with the Phase I trails as the first specifically designed and built NICA course in the state of Alabama. “We are very excited and proud of the mountain bike trails that the MDA has built here at McClellan,” said Julie Moss the Director of the MDA. “If you haven’t been out to see the trails whether to bike or hike we encourage you to do so; it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors especially during this difficult time of social distancing.” Recently a few of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) Alabama League Management Team came out to ride Phase II of the trails in hopes of incorporating part of Phase II into the NICA Melee at McClellan bike race that is scheduled for March 20-21, 2021. This will be the second race held at McClellan. This past March the race had 2000 people attend with around 600 of those bike racers. Our area is home to four teams, Donoho, Cheaha, Jacksonville and Oxford. “The new addition to an already fast and fun trail system is really nice. It brings some more purposed fast flow down the mountain as well as big views of the valley. Sloan’s Furnace is a blast; it’s worth riding back up for multiple trips down, said Bart Davidson, Programs & Race Director of NICA Alabama. As for the NICA race, we might be able to incorporate some of it, but that’s a secret at this point. This is a trial system well worth the trip.” Phase I of the trails are ideal for someone that is new to mountain biking with smooth climbs and fast smooth descents while Phase II provides the next level full of fast descents, rugged terrain and climbs to beautiful views. The McClellan Multi-Use Trails provided great options to meet the experience each hiker, biker, and trail runner.

Recently Davis Fish Farms delivered 800 bass and introduced them into Lake Yahou. This 8 acre rain water feed lake is on the agenda to become a public fishing and picnic area for the community. The timing for this will be a year to a year and a half away. The bass need time to grow and it will give MDA a chance to prepare the area for visitors and finalize all permitted activities. Stay tuned for additional updates on Lake Yahou Park.

Julie Moss, Director of the McClellan Development Authority, met with Anniston Police Chief Nick Bowles and Captain Justin Sanford on Thursday, October 20 to finalize the purchase of four live-monitoring police cameras and three years’ worth of network cards for $36,942.76, which the MDA Board approved on Sept. 28. The four cameras will be placed around McClellan in strategic locations within the next 6 months and assist Anniston Police Department with protecting the citizens and property at McClellan. Moss attended the State of Law Enforcement seminar hosted by the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce on April 1, 2022, which invited law enforcement agencies from across the county to speak about issues and trends facing the police force. During the event, Moss noted Anniston Police Department’s need for officers, and discussed with Chief Bowles about the possibility of cameras being set up around McClellan to assist their department. “The cameras are a good deterrent — [they] let people know the police department cares about the community and wants to make everybody feel safe,” said Chief Bowles, “It’s a witness that’s always there and never calls in sick.” Chief Bowles directed Moss to Captain Sanford of Anniston Police Department’s Special Operations Division, who explained all the specifications, operations, and requirements of the police cameras. With assistance from Captain Sanford and APD staff, Moss determined the best locations for the cameras around McClellan. “I appreciate Captain Sanford and the Anniston Police Department for educating me about these cameras and guiding me throughout the process,” said Moss. “I am pleased the McClellan Development Authority is taking advantage of this opportunity to assist our officers and the City of Anniston with keeping our community safe.” “We really appreciate having the funding to do this because anytime we…have more assets out there, obviously that’s better protection and better coverage,” said Captain Sanford. “[These] relationships help us allocate our resources — so it’s a huge help.”

The Center for Domestic Preparedness was presented the keys and deed to 94 acres of land and 16 buildings purchased for $3.5 million last month. Negotiations have taken place for the last four years in preparation for this purchase. The Center for Domestic Prepardness has been leasing the buildings since 2006 and this will allow for expansion of the entire facility. Including this deal the CDP now has ownership of 176 acres. The goal now is to find the best way to capitalize on this momentum to help spur more growth for McClellan. This stands to be the largest land deal in the history of the MDA. Mike King the superintendant for the CDP was enthusiastic about the transaction at Wednesday’s ceremony saying “This is a great accomplishment and milestone for the CDP and the McClellan Development Authority." TV 24 Coverage Alabama 13 Anniston Star

The McClellan Development Authority will be opening Lake Yahou Park, the newest redeveloped outdoor feature on our campus, on May 23rd, 2022 at 10 AM as part of a grand opening ceremony for the community. All are invited to attend and there is no charge for the event. The 8-acre freshwater lake and surrounding forested land, which have not been used recreationally since 1999, will now feature a peaceful half-mile walking trail, scenic 18-mile multi-use trail, rustic picnic area and bench seating by the lake. Stocked with hundreds of large mouth bass, copperhead bluegills, and fathead minnows, Lake Yahou offers catch-and-release fishing with a $5.00 MDA fishing license. These can be purchased at the MDA office Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Attendees to the ribbon cutting ceremony can purchase their license on-site at Lake Yahou Park. Exact change is preferred. Though swimming is not allowed, visitors can experience the lake in their own non-motorized boat, e.g., kayak, canoe, pedal boat, etc. Park visitors are also welcomed to bring their dogs, which must remain on a leash. Pet waste stations are available around the park. Lake Yahou Park has seasonal hours, which are 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM from April to September, and 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM from October to March. Please review the document below for a complete list of operations, procedures, rules, and regulations. Adventure awaits!

One month after the original grand opening ceremony was cancelled due to inclement weather, Lake Yahou Park was finally inaugurated as a redeveloped site by McClellan Development Authority, the City of Anniston, and the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce in a ribbon cutting ceremony at the park on June 23, 2022. The ceremony featured prominent local leaders, including Jack Draper, Mayor of Anniston; Steven Folks, Anniston City Manager; Don Killingsworth, Jr., Chairman of Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce; Terry Smiley, Vice President of Alabama Power Eastern Division; Jay Jenkins, Anniston Councilman; Ciera Smith, Anniston Councilwoman; Millie Harris, Anniston Councilwoman; and Danny Shears, Calhoun County Commissioner. In her opening remarks, MDA Director Julie Moss thanked several people and organizations for their help in restoring Lake Yahou Park: Former MDA Property Manager Van Roberts, Former MDA Board Member Bill Robinson, MDA Board Member Freeman Fite, Terraworks Tree & Land Services, Woodard Brothers Grading, FlowMotion Trail Builders, Gate Builders, I Need A Sign, and the MDA staff and maintenance crew. Although the ribbon cutting was postponed, the MDA began selling fishing licenses for Lake Yahou Park, as scheduled, on May 23, 2022. To date, over 400 fishing licenses have been sold! Those who still need a fishing license can visit the MDA office at 4875 Bains Gap Rd, Anniston, AL during office hours Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. They are $5 cash only and require a valid driver’s license. Lake Yahou Park is located just off the HWY 431 Anniston Eastern Bypass onto Iron Mountain Rd. Visitors can also find it on Google Maps. To learn more about Lake Yahou Park, view our digital brochure below.

Mountain bikers, trail runners, and horseback riders will unite in a triathlon-style race at Camp McClellan Horse Trails on November 5th, 2022. This first-of-its-kind event, dubbed “Treadhoofalon,” is being jointly hosted and organized by the Back Country Horseman of America McClellan Chapter, Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association, and Anniston Runners Club Trail Running Division. The event welcomes anyone from the serious competitor to the casual participant, featuring approximately three miles of horseback riding, eight miles of mountain biking, and four miles of trail running. Lain Hawk, who spearheaded the concept for the event alongside his wife Julie, said, “[Julie and I] both ride horses, bike, and enjoy hiking all over the country and wanted to showcase the wonderful trails we have in our backyard here at McClellan. With an event this unique, we hope to have it grow in years to come and make McClellan a destination.” The race will begin with horseback riding promptly at 8 a.m., then mountain biking at approximately 9 a.m., and trail running at approximately 10 a.m., depending on how quickly each teammate completes their section. Participants in the biking and running sections of the race should be prepared to start ahead of these approximations, in case their teammates are faster than anticipated. Julie Moss, Director of the McClellan Development Authority, said, “This is such a unique event and I look forward to seeing all the trail groups coming together and enjoying the beautiful trails at McClellan.” For $45, individuals can participate in one, two, or all three disciplines and be assigned teammates as needed; OR groups of three can register as a team for $100. All registrants will receive a Treadhoofalon t-shirt, a finisher’s medal, and a cookout lunch! The event is free for spectators, and non-competing attendees can purchase a $10 meal ticket the day of the event. Chad Jones, Chairman of the Back Country Horseman of America McClellan Chapter added, “[Our] hope is that the Treadhoofalon will be a great success for Anniston and will draw people from all over to come and experience the fun and create an economic impact. We invite spectators to come and watch the event and help grow [it] into an event that gets larger each year.” There is a limit of 50 participants per discipline, so register online now before the slots are full: https://rb.gy/auh4si! Treadhoofalon FAQs Download Press Release Download

Dirty Soles Trail Races is returning to McClellan on October 8, 2022 to host the first trail race at Lake Yahou Park using McClellan’s 17 miles of multi-use trails. In March 2022, Dirty Soles chose McClellan to host their very first trail race, McClellan Madness, a 4- to 8-hour endurance race that welcomed more than 70 trail runners from all over the southeast United States to Anniston, Alabama. “The trails at McClellan are non-technical [so] they’re really runnable,” said Becki Jones, founder and director of Dirty Soles Trail Races, adding that McClellan has been great at supporting her vision to bring more trail races to Calhoun County. “It’s a very cohesive relationship…because [McClellan] wants to help advertise my races and I’m helping advertise the trails.” After the success of McClellan Madness, Jones was eager to use McClellan’s multi-use trails again. When she learned that Lake Yahou would be opening in May along with a Phase 3 portion of the trails, she saw it as the perfect opportunity to round out Dirty Soles’ race schedule. “I want to host four races in a year and needed a fourth one…so when the lake opened, I started planning. It just so happened that if [we] started at the lake and did three loops around the outside trails, that it is almost a 50k—so it ended up pretty perfect.” The Lake Yahou 50k will offer two routes for both new and seasoned runners: a 10-mile race with one loop around the trails and a full 50k race with three loops around the trails. Both distances will start and finish at the Lake Yahou Park trailhead, where there will be music, beverages, and food (with vegan-friendly options) awaiting runners as they cross the finish line. Jones assured, “My races are good for any level of athlete. Anyone with any experience can come out and have fun and just enjoy themselves. [Trail running] is just one big community—everyone is friendly and wants to help each other.” Registration is $75 for the 50k and $45 for the 10-miler. The money will be used to cover the costs of the race plus a donation to the McClellan Development Authority. “Every race, I give to somebody,” Jones said. “In [McClellan Madness], I gave to McClellan to help maintain the trails. I don’t do it to make money.” Despite Dirty Soles Trail Races being less than a year old, Jones has high hopes that her events will continue to grow and draw attention to the McClellan Trails. “If I can get this going yearly, I think it’ll be a huge event to draw a lot of people from out of state,” Jones said. “[Besides the Pinhoti], there’s no other trail races going on in Calhoun County, so I think it’s going to bring a lot more runners out here.” The deadline to register for the Lake Yahou 50k is October 3, 2022. Participants can pick up their registration packets at Mellow Mushroom in Oxford on Friday, October 7 from 4-7 PM, or at Lake Yahou Park on October 8 from 6:45-7:45 AM. Read more about this event by visiting Dirty Soles’s Facebook page or visiting the registration page on UltraSignup.

Creedmoor® Sports recently purchased, from the McClellan Development Authority (MDA), more than 30 acres on the grounds of historic Fort McClellan. The land acquisition includes four acres immediately adjacent to the company’s current facility and is dedicated to supporting future expansion. “I am truly thrilled that our company is experiencing success and growth right here in Anniston, on historic Fort McClellan,” said Greg Kantorovich, CEO of Creedmoor Sports. “Many of our core customers are active duty, reserve, or retired military. They appreciate the history, they appreciate where we are, and that helps create a bond. Having the support of the MDA in this expansion project is truly invaluable. We are very grateful for their support, support which will ultimately allow us to better serve our customers,” added Kantorovich. Since relocating to Alabama in 2013, Creedmoor Sports has enjoyed a period of strong business growth. The company has recently become more vertically integrated by expanding its in-house manufacturing capabilities. This additional acreage will support a larger campus and will provide the infrastructure for further expansion in the areas of manufacturing, product development, and retail distribution operations. Established to ensure the future of what was once Fort McClellan, the McClellan Development Authority strives to create a mixed-use community including commercial, industrial, residential, educational, and research-based development. “The staff and board members of the McClellan Development Authority have made it clear how much they value the businesses here at McClellan and have been very supportive as we plan for the future of our organization,” said John Teachey, VP of Operations and Marketing. “Continuing to provide best-in-class customer service and delivering the products our customers want requires expansion and keeping us grounded here on McClellan has always been our top priority,” added Teachey. “Creedmoor Sports has always been a highly respected member of the McClellan business community and a prominent figure in the precision rifle shooting community,” said Julie Moss, Director of the McClellan Development Authority. “Their representatives/staff have been a pleasure to work with throughout the planning and proposal process, and we share their excitement in bringing this landmark company headquarters expansion to McClellan,” added Moss. About Creedmoor Sports, Inc. As a leading supplier in precision shooting sports since 1979, Creedmoor Sports designs, manufactures, and supplies the precision shooter with the gear needed to achieve their personal shooting goals. We manufacture only the best products to give the dedicated shooter the confidence needed to win at every level of competition. Known for best-in-class personal service, at Creedmoor Sports, we don’t have customers…we have friends. Contact: Wayne Dayberry, Director of Marketing wayne@creedmoorsports.com 1-800-273-3366 167 Creedmoor Way, Anniston, AL 36205 Creedmoorsports.com