City of Mobile and Friends of Doyle Park unveil new state of the art facility at Doyle Park

Mar 1st, 2016

Doyle Park, a formerly overgrown 24-acre space adjacent to Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, has been transformed into a community hub for recreation.

"This project not only lifts up the park itself but all of the neighborhoods around it that will benefit from this new, state of the art facility," said Mayor Stimpson. "What was once a vacant space is now a centerpiece of pride for generations to come. We are committed to improving all of our parks to connect communities throughout the City of Mobile."

The newly renovated park now features amenities for people of all ages including new athletics fields, a playground, a walking trail and event pavilions. A rubberized surface ball field is completely accessible to handicapped children and adults. An area almost the size of an acre provides a playing field for both soccer and football. A new softball field will be a place for young women to gather and practice their skills.

Four new pavilions offer a space for people to congregate for parties, reunions and other gatherings. The walking trail, stretching one half of a mile, features fitness equipment along the way. The aviation-themed playground is complete with a jet fuel truck, a replica of the FAA Tower, mini airplanes, a runway and other aerospace elements.

"I want to thank Airbus and the Friends of Doyle Park for bringing this park back to life," said Councilman CJ Small. "Through public-private partnerships, we can turn District 3, the City of Mobile and this world around!"

This project was made possible through the generosity of sponsors including Airbus, Hoar Program Management, Mott MacDonald, the Mobile Airport Authority, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama, Live Oak Landscaping and H.O. Weaver &Sons, Inc. In addition to these sponsors, the City also received a $230,000 ADEM Scrap Tire Program Grant and a $50,000 ADECA, Land and Water Conservation Grant.

This is only the first phase of the project. The Friends of Doyle Park, the non-profit organization spearheading the two-year project, is seeking donations for a splash pad, new restroom facilities and observation terraces.

"The Friends of Doyle Park is a collection of business leaders who galvanized around the Airbus project and the rejuvenation of Brookley field with the mission to positively impact the Dauphin Island Parkway community and its children," said Friends of Doyle Park President Roger E. Wehner. "We would not have been successful if it were not for the many sponsors and volunteers who allowed us to spread the challenge so broadly. We hope this corporate-driven approach may serve as an inspiration and model for Doyle Park's phase two and for improvements to other City parks."