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About

Mission Statement

Lake Purdy Rowing Association (LPRA) is a member of the United States Rowing Association and a 501(c)3 all-volunteer organization formed in 2013 to give people throughout Greater Birmingham the opportunity to participate in the sport of rowing.  LPRA offers adult Learn-to-Row classes each summer, conducts year-round programs for member recreational and competitive masters, and sponsors Samford University Crew.

Modeled as a public-private initiative, with key partners including the Birmingham Water Works Board and Lake Purdy Fishing/Host Recreation, LPRA's vision is to bring rowers, public entities, and corporate sponsors together to build a robust community rowing program. You are invited to participate in our educational programs and experience the joy of rowing!  Upon successfully completing a Learn-to-Row program, or otherwise demonstrating rowing proficiency, you are eligible to join LPRA and to use LPRA-owned boats and equipment appropriate to your level of ability.

LPRA values camaraderie, respect for nature, and diversity of intellect, ability, gender and race. Our mission is to educate and nurture a passion for both sweep and scull rowing, focusing on teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, and commitment to being good environmental stewards of Lake Purdy. 

The Association is funded through membership dues, fees for classes and training, Junior and Collegiate programs, public and private donations/sponsorships, and fund-raising events.

Lake Purdy

Lake Purdy is a 1000-acre primary drinking water reservoir created in 1909 on the Little Cahaba River in Shelby County, AL by the Birmingham Water Works Board.  About 3 miles long, the h-shaped lake with limited access on pristine wooded property is an ideal rowing venue.

To preserve the quality of the water, only boats controlled by Ken Delap, President of Lake Purdy Fishing, are allowed on the lake.  LPRA's access to Lake Purdy is under the sponsorship of Lake Purdy Fishing. 

The Board of Directors

As a volunteer-run corporation with no staff, LPRA is managed by its members and a working Board of Directors.  Members are encouraged to serve as a Director at least one out of every five years and are also encouraged to attend and participate in board meetings;  the dates and locations are posted on the club Calendar.   

Directors are elected by the membership in February at the Annual Meeting.  The Bylaws require a minimum of nine Directors .  If you are interested in serving, please email lakepurdyrowing@gmail.com.  A member of the Nominating Committee will contact you.

Current Board Members:

Emily Padgett

Emily Padgett

President

Sherry Colgin

Sherry Colgin

Vice President

Jan Hinson

Jan Hinson

Secretary

Marietta Williams

Marietta Williams

Treasurer

Craig Richardson

Craig Richardson

Director

Ginny Freeman

Ginny Freeman

Director

Jackie Major

Jackie Major

Director

Amanda Robinson

Amanda Robinson

Director

Virginia Sheffield

Virginia Sheffield

Director

Alan Stevens

Alan Stevens

Director

Mary Lyn Woolley

Mary Lyn Woolley

Director

Governing Documents

LPRA is governed according to its ByLaws, House Rules & Safety Guidelines, and SafeSport Policy.   View or download these documents by clicking on the links below.