Construction is underway to enhance the east side of Heritage Park and Jessamine Avenue, part of Foley’s ongoing efforts to improve connectivity and accessibility in the downtown area.

The project will create a network of walkways and columns, linking the pedestrian bridge over Alabama 59 to Heritage Park and City Hall, Mayor Ralph Hellmich said.

“That is starting at the clock tower with a walkway that crosses the park with a gateway entrance on the east side,” Hellmich said. “This will complete the park on all four sides. We will carry that project to pave Jessamine eastward over to City Hall. This will provide a nice walkway all the way to City Hall.”

A new gate and wall will be built at the park’s eastern entrance at Jessamine Avenue, with pavers installed between the gate and the Centennial Clock on the west side. Construction on the wall’s foundation is about 70% complete, with the next phase set to include pouring the lower section and placing bricks according to reports. Work on the pavers and walkways will be scheduled to avoid disruptions to park activities.

The city is also replacing aging wooden light poles on the park’s south side with decorative black poles equipped with LED lights. The new lights will be more efficient and provide improved illumination.

Additional infrastructure projects are progressing throughout Foley, including improvements on East Verbena Avenue. The city recently enhanced parking and access near businesses on East Verbena close to Alabama 59, and plans are in place to extend the road eastward to connect with streets near the site of the new library under construction.