Just what will the kiddies be running around on as they play in the upgraded playground at Sims Park in Gulf Shores?

Regardless of the choice, the city is looking at delaying starting construction on the new playground until early 2027.

City councilors will be looking at three options for the ground cover on the playground during a work session meeting on Aug. 17 at 4 p.m. at city hall as well as discussing budget year options for funding the playground.

One of those ground cover options within the budget is for engineered wood fiber or artificial mulch. According to a memo from Director of Recreation and Cultural Affairs Grant Brown, it is deemed the “least desirable.”

A second option is a combination of the artificial mulch and turf for an increase of $150,000, or going with nothing but turf for $250,000. The recommendation from Brown and city staff said option two or three would meet the city’s needs.

“These options meet community expectations, enhance accessibility and reduce long‑term maintenance needs while preserving the original design character supported by the council,” the memo states.

Budget totals for the project are $950,000 for the upgrade with the “least desirable” mulch, $1.1 million with the combination of mulch and turf and $1.2 million for straight turf.

The city will have time to decide considering unforeseen delays in getting materials to complete the project.

“Unfortunately, lead times for construction materials have increased to more than 16 weeks, delaying the projected start of construction until after the first of the year,” Brown’s memo states. “A substantial portion of the construction budget will not be paid in 2026 and will need to be included in next year’s 2027 capital budget.”

The city plans to take advantage of the delay not only for budgeting purposes but to keep the playground open through the fall and winter breaks.

“We also recommend that the construction budget window be moved to January of 2027, with work commencing after students return from the holiday break, to allow for the continued use of the existing playground during Christmas vacation,” the memo states.

Items discussed will likely be voted on in the Aug. 24 regular session.

During the meeting, council will also discuss:

Closing down the boat launch under the State Route 59 bridge and replacing it with more parking for the Waterway Village District and a covered pavilion;

Appointing Martin Pitts to the Building Board of Adjustments and Appeals;

Accepting streets in the Village at Craft Farms phases one and two for city maintenance;

Adopting the Gulf Shores 2027 Transportation Plan to meet the eligibility requirements for receiving Rebuild Alabama Gas Tax funds. Through the program, with the $135,000 projected for 2026, the city will have received $584,095 from the new gas tax since 2020. The money will be used to help fund multiple projects including:

• Waterway Village streetscape improvements;
• Pedestrian bridge;
• East Second Street improvements;
• County Road 6 improvements; and
• Annual city streets resurfacing.

Making pay classification adjustments for a paramedic/lieutenant position and 12 other positions in the fire department with an annual cost increase of $106,000;

Making pay classification adjustments to reclassify the director of economic development and public affairs into director of strategic initiatives with no change in pay, reclassify a part-time position into a full-time grants support specialist with a pay increase and changing the title of capital projects director to deputy director and construction;

Reducing the speed limit on Coastal Gateway Boulevard near Gulf Shores High School from 45 mph to 25 mph during school hours. The nine new signs are expected to cost around $2,000; and

Pre-zoning and annexing 5.49 acres named Oak Place at 18789 Oak Road West just west of the Gulf Shores Sportsplex to single-family residential. This action received a favorable recommendation from the planning commission in June. The moratorium in place in Gulf Shores on multi- and single-family development will not affect this annexation.