A new pavilion is set to address the growing demand for event and educational space at Foley’s Graham Creek Nature Preserve.

Foley City Council voted to initiate the pavilion capital project at the preserve, with the resolution calling for the development of plans for a large event pavilion. Once designs are completed, the city will seek bids for the construction of the facility.

Leslie Gahagan, Foley nature parks director, noted the increasing requests for pavilion space at Graham Creek.

“Events have really taken off,” she said. “The demand is really high.”

Rental fees for the pavilion are expected to help offset some of the construction costs. If the council approves a bid, the pavilion will be built south of the Interpretive Center at the park, located on Philomene Holmes Boulevard, south of Graham Creek.

“It’s in that nice little open field,” Gahagan said. “There's been a lot of requests for wedding venues out there near the pitcher plants and so this will be just beside that. The view there is very pretty.”

Gahagan also highlighted the pavilion's potential for educational use.

“We can also use it for classes,” Gahagan said. “We have a lot of wetland classes and forestry classes. That would free up the interpretive center as well.”

Additionally, the site could be utilized during other events, such as archery competitions at the Graham Creek Nature Preserve.

The planned pavilion will cover 2,200 square feet and include two 150-square foot storage areas. The facility will also feature solar-powered fans.