Fairhope invests in Triangle Park with sidewalks and new park ranger position

By MELANIE LECROY
Lifestyle Editor
melanie@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 11/7/23

Fairhope City Council has been busy approving new projects as the 2023-2024 fiscal year is in full swing. During the Oct. 24 regular city council meeting, council approved several infrastructure …

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Fairhope invests in Triangle Park with sidewalks and new park ranger position

Posted

Fairhope City Council has been busy approving new projects as the 2023-2024 fiscal year is in full swing.

During the Oct. 24 regular city council meeting, council approved several infrastructure projects from sidewalks to well drilling.

Triangle Park

The city is moving forward with projects related to the future Triangle Park, including hiring the city's first full-time park ranger. The job posting was listed in early October on the city's website but has since been removed (which could mean the position has been filled or the application period has closed).

City council approved the city entering into a preliminary engineering agreement for a project that would add sidewalks along Parker Road. The sidewalks would run from County Road 98 to State Route 42, connect the Eastern Shore Trail and provide walking access to Triangle Park.

Council also approved the city entering into a construction agreement with the state of Alabama (acting through the Alabama Department of Transportation) for the sidewalk project. A good portion of the funding for this project, $200,000, will come from the Federal Carbon Reduction Program. The overall total for the sidewalk project is $340,000. It was said the city's contribution is estimated at $96,000.

The city will also apply for a Land and Water Conservation Grant to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs for the construction of park facilities at North Triangle Park. According to documents in the press packet, the proposed project cost is $1 million, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund assistance amount being sought is $500,000.

Cast iron infrastructure updates

A natural gas cast iron pipe replacement project being completed by Magnolia River Services Inc. received a contract extension. The resolution approved the extension of phases 1-6, and it will not exceed $500,000.

A separate natural gas case iron pipe replacement project was awarded to General Maintenance Contractors of East Alabama Inc. (GMC Underground). Phase 1 of the project will not exceed $1,321,215.67.

Municipal Pool

Watermark Design was selected to perform professional architecture and engineering services for the Fairhope Municipal Pool rehabilitation project. According to a memo in the agenda press packet, the purpose of the project is to find a solution for the current facility's potential structural degradation while attempting to resolve the overlying moisture and humidity problems.

Water projects

O'Donnell & Associates Inc. was selected to provide professional hydrogeologic services for the development of a fourth shallow well at Wellfield No. 3. The contract amount will not exceed $17,000.

Equix Energy Services LLC was awarded the big for Cowpen Creek boring. The project is not to exceed $56,738. The project calls for the bore and installation of 600 feet of 12-inch pipe at Cowpen Creek.

Fire Truck

The Fairhope Volunteer Fire Department will receive a new pumper fire truck in approximately 30 months. City council approved the purchase of the $860,000 pumper truck. Only one-third of the cost will be paid during this budget year.

Warning System

The city of Fairhope accepted a subgrant from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for $57,680. The funds will be used to purchase and install a state-of-the-art warning system for mass notification.