Foley, Ala. — (OBA) —  Foley is moving ahead with a series of improvements at its nature parks. The work includes new restrooms, a pavilion, and trail signs. City leaders also plan to seek grant funding for a boardwalk project at Wolf Creek Park. The projects are intended to make the parks more useful and accessible for visitors.

The Foley City Council approved plans to move forward with several projects at the city's nature parks. The work focuses on Graham Creek Nature Preserve and Wolf Creek Park. Leslie Gahagan, the city’s sustainability and natural resources director, said the restrooms and pavilion would be built on Russian Road.

Gahagan said, "This would service all of our disc golf courses in the back, as well as the trail heads there." She also said, "We would like to do the design this year, see what prices come back to us, and then start next year."

Russian Road is now being paved by Baldwin County. Gahagan said the work should be finished before construction begins on the restrooms and pavilion.

The city is also installing trail signs throughout Graham Creek Nature Preserve. The council approved the transfer of funds to begin the signage project. Those signs are expected to help visitors find their way through the preserve.

Foley is also seeking an Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Recreational Trails Program grant to build an overlook boardwalk at Wolf Creek Park. The grant would cover 80% of the cost of constructing the boardwalk and observation deck. The project would meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

The planned improvements are part of Foley’s ongoing effort to develop its park system. City officials said the projects are intended to support recreation, trail use, and easier access for park users.