Shovels finally turned soil at the Flying Creek Nature Preserve Tuesday, June 25.

Mayor Sherry Sullivan and Fairhope City Councilman Jack Burrell were joined by several key players in the Flying Creek Nature Preserve project for the groundbreaking of Fairhope's newest community park and trail system.

Formerly referred to as the Triangle Property, the 72-acre parcel, located between Veterans Boulevard and Fly Creek is set to be developed into the Flying Creek Nature Preserve. The master plan includes the development of trails, outdoor classrooms, a restroom pavilion, a 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 program, short for Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, was created in 2006 as a revenue-sharing model for the four oil-and-gas-producing Gulf states and will fund half of the first phase.

Phase one of Flying Creek Nature Preserve will include:

• Multi-use nature trails;
• Connection to the Eastern Shore Trail:
• Outdoor classroom for educational enrichment opportunities;
• Trailhead with information kiosk;
• Bicycle repair station;
• Restroom pavilion; and
• Parking area.