NORTH ALABAMA (WHNT) – Alabama has several state parks, and at many of them, including a couple in North Alabama, projects are underway to enhance the overall visitor experience.
Birmingham-based program management firm HPM is partnering with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) to manage construction projects at 11 state parks, including renovations, new amenities, and expanded lodging.
You can read more about what’s being added to several state parks below:
- At Cheaha State Park a 2,799-square-foot recreation park in Clay and Cleburne Counties a new 25-unit, boutique hotel featuring a small cafe and rooftop bar are being constructed.
- DeSoto State Park, a 3,502-acre park located at Lookout Mountain in DeKalb County, is getting a new pool house.
- At Gulf State Park, a 6,150-acre public recreation park at Gulf State Park in Baldwin County, close to Gulf Shores, they are converting the golf course into 105 RV sites, three bathhouses, an administration building, and a clubhouse with a pool, splash pad and pickleball courts.
- Lake Lurleen State Park a 1,625-acre in Tuscaloosa County, is being renovated to include new bathhouses, a gatehouse, renovated boat piers, the addition of new RV sites and a new, modernized playground.
- Lake Point State Park a 1,220-acre recreation area north of Eufaula, has 44 lodge rooms being renovated.
- Meaher State Park a 1,327-acre on Big Island in Spanish Fort, Alabama: a new 1,400-square-foot administration building which holds a check-in desk, staff offices and a visitor gift shop.
- Monte Sano State Park, a 2,140-acre public park and mountaintop retreat in Madison County, is getting new sidewalks throughout the property, and the interior of 14 cabins renovated. The construction of two new bathhouses and the conversion of three existing RV sites into Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sites.
- At Wind Creek State Park, a 1,445-acre state park on the western edge of Lake Martin, five 1,600-square-foot cottages were added and 72 camp sites on the property are being renovated.
HPM is also managing $40 million in water and wastewater improvements at 12 parks.
“Alabama’s state parks are among the most treasured assets in our state, and we’re honored to partner with ADCNR to help enhance these destinations for future generations,” said Ryan Austin, president of HPM. “These projects reflect our shared commitment to expanding access to outdoor recreation by providing our extensive expertise in coordinating complex construction initiatives.”
ADCNR manages 21 state parks and invested over $218 million in park improvements in 2024. HPM, with a $1 billion annual project portfolio nationwide, has also led major recreational, sports, and entertainment facility projects across the U.S., including Birmingham’s Protective Stadium and Legacy Arena renovation.
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