Lillian, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County plans a major renovation of Perdido Bay Park in Lillian after winning a multi-million dollar grant. The work centers on access, safety, and shoreline stability. Officials also describe new features that invite year-round use. The announcement points to a longer push to upgrade public spaces along the coast.

The Baldwin County Commission received $2,530,000 through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, known as GOMESA. Governor Kay Ivey announced more than $45 million for 23 Coastal Alabama projects on September 30, 2025. The county’s award is one piece of that package.

Perdido Bay Park sits on County Road 99 and overlooks Perdido Bay. The plan adds ADA-compliant parking, sidewalks, and boardwalks. A gazebo and a viewing platform are also slated. Lighting upgrades aim to make the park easier to use after dark.

The county also intends to tackle erosion that is cutting into parts of the site. Crews will use slope stabilization to hold the ground. A new boardwalk will be shaped to fit the bluffs that drop toward the water.

Design work is expected to run through 2026 after contracts are secured. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, which suggests a long runway before visible change on the ground. Timelines can shift, but that is the current plan.

GOMESA, enacted in 2006, sends a share of offshore oil and gas revenue to Gulf states. Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas receive those funds. A portion also flows to the Land and Water Conservation Fund for public projects.

The Lillian Park draws local families, anglers, and paddlers and sits close to the Florida line. That location may help the viewing platform and boardwalk get steady use, especially during shoulder seasons.

County leaders describe the project as a push for full accessibility. The proposed parking and sidewalks appear aimed at visitors with mobility challenges. That is basic equity work, but also a practical way to widen the park’s audience.

Stabilizing the slope could protect paths and reduce costly maintenance. It also likely helps keep sediment out of the bay. Small steps like lighting can matter, too, by extending safe hours without changing the site’s low-key feel.

The award is one slice of a broader state plan for coastal projects. That focus may signal more attention on public access and resilience as the shoreline changes. Residents will want to watch design choices that shape how the bluffs are used.