Work begins on phase 1 of Gulf Place Revitalization Project

Work begins on phase 1 of Gulf Place Revitalization Project
$4.5 million from general fund will transform west parking lot area
With sand already on the move on the western half of Gulf Shores Public Beach, the City of Gulf Shores Gulf Place Revitalization Project is now a reality.
The city has allocated $4.5 million from its general fund to make major improvements and enhancements to the Gulf Shores Public Beach 2nd Street parking lot and surrounding area. Work on phase 1 is slated for completion by April of 2017.
Improvements for Phase I include:
– Enhanced and expanded public parking
– 20 ft. wide beachfront boardwalk
– Seating and shade structures
– Renovated public restroom facilities
– New Beach Safety Headquarters
– Extensive natural/coastal landscape
The Gulf Place Revitalization Project will be completed in four phases spread out over the next three years, according to Dan Bond the city’s Environmental/Grants Coordinator and lead man on the project. Bond said work on the project will be timed for minimal effect on Shrimp Fest, Hangout Fest and the spring break and summer tourist seasons.
Although phase 1 includes only the area around the west parking lot, when complete, the $15 million project will create public beach access areas with associated amenities and parking on the east and west sides of the City’s public beach area. Bond said the city is exploring grants and BP settlement funds to pay for the remaining $ 10.5 million tally for the project.
He added that the city will work with ADOT to add the five landscaped medians along Hwy. 182 adjacent to the Public Beach.
“This project will rejuvenate the face of our community and will provide enhanced opportunities to enjoy our entire half-mile of public beachfront year-round,” said Mayor Robert Craft. “We are excited to be able to make such a significant investment into the quality of life of our residents, the experience of our visitors and the future of Gulf Shores.”
Annual events held at the public beach attract over 350,000 visitors and generate an estimated regional economic impact exceeding $100,000,000.
When complete, the project will include a town green, an interactive fountain, a children’s discovery playground, dune overlooks, a stage pad, shade canopies, an outdoor fitness area and enhanced dunes, in addition to the new beachside boardwalk, walking paths, new restrooms and attractive landscaping.
Sustainable and low-impact development strategies will be major components of the project, including on-site stormwater management and reuse.
Beach dune restoration will be incorporated into the design to provide habitat and protection from storm surge.
The Gulf Place Revitalization Project is a linchpin objective of the Small Town, Big Beach Vision 2025 for Sustainability that the city released in 2015 and the result of years of master planning and public input.