FOLEY, Ala.— The Graham Creek Nature Preserve Advisory Board is soon to be a reality.

During its regular meeting Monday, the Foley City Council voted to create the body.

Prior to the vote, Councilman Charlie Ebert said the terms of service would be for three years and that the chair and vice chair would not serve more than three consecutive years.

That vote came on the heels of resident opposition to the Preserve’s hosting the Tough Mudder mud run.

In a June City Council Meeting, residents from several neighborhoods surrounding the Preserve filled Council Chambers to voice their concerns. Many of those were repeated last week when 145 showed up for an informational meeting on the Preserve at the Foley Civic Center. At that time, residents also voiced concern over development of the Preserve and traffic to the facility. In addition, resident Merita Johnston asked the Council to establish an advisory board.

Monday’s vote brings that suggestion to fruition. It will establish a municipal body to oversee the Preserve, thus addressing concerns of Johnston and fellow residents.

According to Foley city records, the board will fall under jurisdiction of city’s Community Development Department.

“This body will be set up like the other municipal boards,” Councilman Ralph Hellmich said.

The City Council will appoint members to the Graham Creek Nature Preserve Advisory Board during its Aug. 18 meeting.