GULF SHORES — The City of Gulf Shores held an unveiling on Sept. 11 of its master plan for the future Coastal Gateway Community Park.

The city began working with Dix.Hite + Partners last year to develop a master plan for the 127 acres of city-owned property on Coastal Gateway Boulevard (County Road 8) with the intent to expand accessibility to city-provided services and amenities in north Gulf Shores.

According to the documents in the master plan, it became evident to city leaders there is an increased need for recreation amenities in north Gulf Shores as more homes are built.

Some of the highlights from the plan include 46 acres on the newly improved Coastal Gateway Boulevard, plans for a second elementary school, a future fire station and a connector road between Coastal Gateway Boulevard and County Road 6.

"The elementary school is a 15-acre placeholder for future school needs with no timeline [yet]," said Grant Brown, director of recreation and cultural affairs. "The fire station is being designed now and is being budgeted separately from the park but will be constructed in conjunction with phase one of the park."

According to the master plan, the city began holding public involvement meetings in 2021, gathering input from residents on the amenities they would like to see included at the park.

The amenities cited in the plan include: a recreation center, outdoor aquatics, usable lake(s), trails, amphitheater, signature playground, dog park, multi-use field, large pavilion, basketball courts, volleyball courts, social gaming, skateboarding and elevation changes.

Construction is expected to begin in fall 2024, with the first phase of the park open by spring 2026.Plans unveiled for future Coastal Gateway Park