Fairhope has finally given the Triangle property a name, and work is set to begin on phase one soon.

Fairhope City Council approved changing the name of the property to Flying Creek Nature Preserve on Nov. 13, 2023. The 72-acre parcel is located between Veterans Boulevard and Fly Creek.

The city wanted to keep the property as an area for the community to enjoy and approved a master plan that includes the development of trails, outdoor classrooms, a restroom pavilion, nature center, a kayak launch and more. In 2022, the city received a $1 million GOMESA grant for the first phase (northern tract) of the planning, design and construction. The grant, short for Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act and which was created in 2006 as a revenue-sharing model for the four oil- and gas-producing Gulf states, will fund half of the first phase.

With phase one of the project needing an additional $1 million to be completed, city staff are pursuing a Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant for $1,000,000 with a 50% cost share. A cost share means the city would need to fund half of the amount, $500,000. If the grant is awarded, the city’s share is not budgeted.

On Jan. 8, council unanimously approved amending the 2023-2024 city budget and to give the project an additional capital appropriation of $1 million. If the LWCF grant is awarded to the city, the $1 million capital appropriation would cover the city’s match of $500,000, and the additional money would be used for the development of the southern tract.

Phase one of Flying Creek Nature Preserve will include:
•     Multi-use nature trails;
•     Connection to the Eastern Shore Trail;
•     Outdoor classrooms for educational enrichment opportunities;
•     Trailhead with informational kiosk;
•     Bicycle repair station;
•     Restroom pavilion; and
•     Parking area.

Phase one is scheduled to start in the spring.