FAIRHOPE — Fairhope City Council officially accepted a $2.5 million grant for Phase III of the Flying Creek Nature Preserve during its meeting Monday, Oct. 12.

The grant money comes from a Gulf of Mexico Energy and Security Act (GoMESA) grant that is part of $52 million in GoMESA funding awarded by Gov. Kay Ivey in August, which will fund more than 20 projects across Coastal Alabama.

Phase III of the Flying Creek Nature Preserve will focus on the south parcel of the preserve, a triangular 36-acre lot sandwiched between Veterans Drive, U.S. Highway 98 and State Highway 104. Phase III will see the construction of multiuse and mountain bike trails, an adventure playground, a bike pump track, a wash-down area, a new restroom and a pavilion, among other amenities.

The Flying Creek Nature Preserve, which opened in August 2025, has seen multiple improvements divided into phases. Phase I, funded with around $1 million in GoMESA money, covered the 72-acre property on the northern portion of the preserve, with an outdoor classroom, multiuse trails and a pedestrian tunnel. Phase II, funded with around $1.3 million, covered additional outdoor classrooms along with a canoe and kayak launch, creek overlooks, signage and interpretive signage.

"That 108, 109 acres has been one of my top priorities on city council," City Council President Jimmy Conyers told GCM. "Just really glad to have preserved it for long term and for multiple different opportunities. Walking, hiking, biking. Just a great facility so I'm looking forward to seeing what they bring to us."

According to documents, the state will pay the GoMESA funding in two installments, with $156,300 for engineering, design and permitting and $2,343,700 for construction.