Gulf State Park and City of Orange Beach enter into historic 20-year agreement

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Posted 4/28/21

The City of Orange Beach and Gulf State Park entered into a historic 20-year agreement to provide guests and residents with a better beach going experience. The partnership will increase the …

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Gulf State Park and City of Orange Beach enter into historic 20-year agreement

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The City of Orange Beach and Gulf State Park entered into a historic 20-year agreement to provide guests and residents with a better beach going experience. The partnership will increase the efficiency of maintenance and service activities for selection locations within the park, including four beach access areas, 14 miles of trails and various park access points.

Highlights from the partnership include continued maintenance at the Romar Beach, Cotton Bayou, Alabama Point and Shell Beach access areas and associated restrooms. Beach grooming and sand raking will continue at those beaches as well. The agreement also ensures the presence of lifeguards at the beach during peak seasons and other high-demand times through the year.

In addition to routine maintenance of the 14 miles of Gulf State Park trails located in Orange Beach, the partnership makes possible the expansion of the Park’s trail system with the potential for future access to the Gulf Oak Ridge Trail from Orange Beach’s Wildlife Center.

The partnership also allows Orange Beach residents, as defined by the City of Orange Beach, the ability to park for no charge at the paid beach access parking areas operated by Gulf State Park as of April 23. Orange Beach residents can obtain up to two no charge resident beach parking passes by visiting Orange Beach City Hall or Park Headquarters. A third pass can be purchased for $25 at Park Headquarters. To qualify, an individual must possess a valid Alabama Driver’s License with a physical address inside the city limits of Orange Beach.

“The entire State Park System is special for Alabamians and Gulf State Park continues to be the centerpiece for attracting people to our area and driving the local economy,” said Tony Kennon, Mayor of Orange Beach. “We always say these are Alabama’s beaches and we are the stewards of them. The new partnership will allow the city to enhance and improve daily maintenance, lifeguard coverage and service at the state’s public beach locations in Orange Beach for years to come. This is a big step in keeping the properties clean and safe, which is our goal as a family-friendly destination.”

“We appreciate Mayor Kennon and the City of Orange Beach for helping make Gulf State Park on of the best destinations along the entire Gulf Coast,” said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “This partnership, along with our great working relationship with the City of Gulf Shores, will help us better serve our park guest.”

Gulf State Park Beach Parking

Parking Pay Stations accept cash and credit cards; however, they do not issue change nor accept coins. Fees start at $3 for two hours and go up to $10 all day for personal vehicles. Annual Pass Parking Decals are available for $100 and free Veteran Annual Pass can be purchased at Gulf State Park headquarters.

The Pay Stations are located at:

Gulf State Park Fishing (Daily anglers who pay $10 daily parking will receive one daily pier fishing permit included with their parking.)

Beach Pavilion

Romar Beach

Cotton Bayou

Alabama Point

Shell Beach

For more information about the paid-parking locations, rates or where to obtain passes visit https://www.alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park/beaches. Gulf State Park Headquarters is located at 20115 State Park Road, Gulf Shores. The office can be reached at 251-948-7275 and is open seven days a week.