Construction is progressing on Laguna Cove Nature Park, a 53-acre conservation and passive recreation project along the south shore of Little Lagoon near the west end of West Beach Boulevard.

The City of Gulf Shores acquired the undeveloped property in 2019 with $4.4 million in Natural Resource Damage Assessment funding from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The property includes 6,100 feet of shoreline, wetlands, secondary dunes and other critical habitat that will be protected from development.

Dan Bond, director of natural resources for the City of Gulf Shores, said the property's location and natural features made protecting it a priority.

"Protection of this important natural area will serve to enhance water quality and habitat for the Little Lagoon watershed while providing passive public recreation opportunities," Bond said.

The project is now about 50% complete and is expected to open in early 2027, Bond said.

The city has received a total of $6.4 million for the project, including acquisition, engineering and design, construction and restoration.

"These NRDA funds came out of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and are a great example of using funding from the oil spill to restore and protect critical habitat along the Gulf coast," Bond said.

Construction is currently focused on site infrastructure and boardwalks. Curbing and concrete work are progressing, while the eastern boardwalk is nearly complete. Additional boardwalk construction will continue in the coming weeks.

The project calls for 51 of the property's 53 acres to be restored and preserved, including wetlands and beach dunes. Planned habitat improvements include osprey nests and sand fencing to promote wildlife habitat. Wetlands and submerged aquatic vegetation are also expected to improve water quality in Little Lagoon.

The park is designed to let residents and visitors experience the Little Lagoon environment while preserving its natural features.

"There will be many low-impact recreational opportunities in the park, including a kayak launch, birding trails, wetland boardwalks and shade pavilions," Bond said.

Gabriella Chavez is a Report for America corps member who writes about growth and development in Baldwin County and our natural spaces for Gulf Coast Media. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today.