FACT SHEET: Mayor Stimpson launches initiative to improve parks

Jun 2nd, 2015

"I am committed to improving our parks to connect communities throughout the City of Mobile. Our parks should draw us together in a tangible, meaningful way. These upgrades will move us toward our goal of becoming the most family-friendly city in America." -Mayor Stimpson

Mayoral Action:
Mayor Stimpson is sponsoring legislation to improve parks throughout the City of Mobile. Specifically, the City is committed to making the following improvements totaling an estimated $1.9 million dollars.

District 1: Herndon Park new restroom

• The City is already investing in three new turf fields.


• The current restroom cannot accommodate the growing number of visitors.


• · It is small in size, no longer provides stall doors and is in extreme disrepair.


• Project Cost: $300,000

District 2: Lyons Park tennis resurfacing and gutters

• The state of the gutters is currently creating an unsafe, slippery surface.


• The replacement of gutters will divert storm water from areas in the park with high foot traffic.


• Lyons Park was widely used in the past due to its tennis courts.


• Attendance has waned as the quality of the courts has diminished.


• Resurfacing the tennis courts will draw visitors back to the park.


• Project Cost: $145,000

District 3: Maitre Park lights

• The lights were condemned last year due to safety concerns.


• New lighting is required for both the utility and safety of the park.


• Project Cost: $475,000

District 4: Dog River Park bleachers, Theodore Park fencing and dugouts

• Bleachers no longer meet standards and are structurally unsound.


• There is no handicap accessibility at either park.


• Dugouts lack benches and proper protection.


• Project cost: $75,000

District 5: Public Safety Park restrooms and dog park

• Due to the success of the skate park, visitation to the park has tripled.


• Building a dog park will complement the existing skate park, creating a "complete," fully developed park.


• Offering a dog park will further activate the space and draw the community together.


• There is no existing dog park in the vicinity.


• There is no permanent restroom to accommodate the increased use of the park.


• Project cost: $300,000

District 6: Medal of Honor Modular Pro Shop

• This project will replace the existing trailer with a permanent structure.


• The new facility will allow visitors to view the tennis area.


• Park users can expect a higher quality experience.


• Project cost: $300,000

District 7: Hillsdale and Langan Park shade structures

• Playground equipment lacks shading at both locations.


• Shading is necessary during hotter months in order to protect children from dangerously hot surfaces such as a hot slide.


• Project cost: $100,000

City-wide improvements

• Mulch will be provided in higher impact parks and main thoroughfares.


• All ball fields that lack a fertilization program will be provided with herbicide.


• Project cost: $180,000