Spanish Fort is taking steps to expand its recreational offerings with plans for a new 142-acre nature park and several other projects set to provide residents with unique more outdoor experiences.

The City of Spanish Fort has secured approximately 142 acres of waterfront property along Bay Minette Creek and Bay Minette Basin on Highway 225. This acquisition, made possible through a $3 million GoMESA grant from the State of Alabama announced on Aug. 13, marks a milestone in the city's efforts to enhance public recreational spaces. The newly acquired land will be transformed into a city-owned park, provisionally named Honor Park.

GoMESA funnels money earned from offshores oil and gas production in the Gulf to the four Gulf Producing States (Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas) and their coastal communities. The program has been in place since 2006. Alabama's coastal communities, Baldwin and Mobile, receive separate GoMESA disbursements directly from the federal government.

This round of funding totals about $30 million for 25 projects. They focus on environmental education and outreach, sewer and stormwater infrastructure, water quality improvements, recreational access improvements and "other important projects."

Honor Park is set to offer residents and visitors an opportunity to experience a hardwood forested and riparian ecosystem that is no longer prevalent within the city limits. A social media post from the city after the GoMESA funding was announced in Mobile by Gov. Kay Ivey said the park will allow walking and picnic areas with "uncompromising viewpoints" and access to local waterways. The plan also includes outdoor classrooms and bathroom facilities with the goal "of preserving the natural habitat for generations to come.

Spanish Fort is in the process of developing a master plan for the park, but city officials are calling on the community to help shape its future. Residents are encouraged to participate in a survey available on the city's website at www.cityofspanishfort.com to voice their preferences for park features.

SPANISH FORT'S FIRST DOG PARK

In addition to Honor Park, Spanish Fort is making strides on several other recreational projects. The city is finalizing plans for its first-ever dog park, Loyalty Park. Located behind Spirit Park along Huckleberry Lane, Loyalty Park will feature separate areas for small and large dogs and a pavilion for their human companions. Construction is expected to begin by the end of summer.

PICKLEBALL POPULATIRY PLANTS IN SF

Pickleball enthusiasts also have reason to celebrate, as Spanish Fort will soon be home to six new pickleball courts. Thanks to a property donation from Cypress Equities, the developer of Spanish Fort Town Center, the city will gain ownership of land adjacent to Fort Container Park. The property includes an existing pavilion, splash pad, playground and the space needed for the new pickleball courts. Construction on the courts is anticipated to start by the end of summer.

BASKETBALL, BUT INSIDE

Meanwhile, crews have commenced work on a significant expansion of Integrity Park, which will include additional parking, lighting, new soccer fields and the city's first outdoor basketball courts. While some portions of the park will be temporarily off-limits due to construction, the project is expected to be completed in several months, offering enhanced facilities for soccer, youth football and basketball.