Foley Expands Walkways and Updates Heritage Park Features

Guy Busby • March 21, 2025

Upgrades include walkway extensions and LED lighting

Workers pour concrete to construct the walkway across Heritage Park in Foley. The walkway will link the pedestrian bridge over Alabama 59 and North Chicago Street.

Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – A decorative metal fence will soon be added near the intersection of Alabama 59 and U.S. 98 as part of ongoing improvements to Foley’s Heritage Park.


On Monday, March 17, the Foley City Council approved installing the fence near the city’s Welcome Center. According to Jeff Phillips, Foley’s construction projects manager, the new fence will enhance the park’s appearance, making it more attractive and open.


“This is part of our Heritage Park improvements project,” Phillips said. “We're cleaning up the park. We'll be removing a 6-foot wooden fence behind the Welcome Center and putting up the aluminum fence that’s like what's in the rest of the park. It will give a good line of sight between 59 and 98 as well.”


The Welcome Center is on the northeast corner of Alabama 59 and U.S. 98. The building, which was remodeled in 1962, was originally the Foley Public Library between 1927 and 1984. 


The fence replacement is one of several improvements going on at Heritage and John B. Foley Park.


On Tuesday, March 18, crews poured concrete to extend the walkway across Heritage Park from the Centennial Clock Tower to North Chicago Street. At the intersection, plans call for the walking path to continue along the new extension of East Jessamine Avenue now under construction.


Portions of North Chicago Street will be closed between now and April 1 to allow the projects to be connected.


The extension and walkway will provide a walkway between the pedestrian bridge over Alabama 59 and City Hall.


Work is also going on in the park to build a gate and wall section at the intersection of East Jessamine. The walkway will connect to the new gate.


The city is also replacing existing wooden light poles that hold halogen lighting on the south side of the park with decorative black poles holding LED lights. The LED lights are more efficient and will provide more illumination.


On Monday, city crews also demolished the old restroom facility next to the Welcome Center. The park restroom building was replaced by a larger, more modern facility.


Share this article w/ Friends...

Ranked #1 Girls High School this week by MaxPreps
By OBA Staff March 13, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Orange Beach Makos Softball is back atop the rankings. MaxPreps, the leading online platform for high school sports coverage, and owned by CBS Sports, moved the team back to a familiar spot. This week, they rose to the top in the nation.
Bestselling Author Colleen Coble Returns To Foley Public Library
By Guy Busby March 13, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Foley Public Library is welcoming back one of Christian fiction's most beloved authors for a special evening event. USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble has visited the library before and was even awarded the Key to the City of Foley by Mayor Ralph Hellmich during a previous appearance.
Alabama Extension Shares Tips For Gulf Coast Bird Lovers
By OBA Staff March 13, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Backyard bird enthusiasts along the Alabama Gulf Coast are being encouraged to prepare as the songbird nesting season begins. Residents in coastal areas such as Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Foley are noticing more small birds searching for safe spots to raise their young.
Foley Main Street Hosts Marketing Workshop For Local Businesses
By OBA Staff March 13, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley Main Street invites local business owners to a new marketing workshop designed to help them attract more customers without significant expenses. The workshop will provide practical strategies and real-world examples, emphasizing creativity and community partnerships. This program supports...
Gulf Shores Police Cruiser
By OBA Staff March 12, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores Police responded quickly after large groups of unaccompanied juveniles and young adults started gathering along the beachfront. Officers moved swiftly to increase their presence and bring in additional resources to manage the growing situation. The department made it clear...
Orange Beach Festival of Art
By R. Ken Cooper March 12, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Alabama Gulf Coast is gaining nationwide attention. Two festivals have been listed on USA Today's 10Best for 2026. The Orange Beach Festival of Art secured first place in the Best Art Festival category. The National Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores ranked sixth in Best Specialty Food Fest
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Fill The Alabama Coast With Green And Good Cheer
By OBA Staff March 12, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — St. Patrick’s Day brings a wave of celebrations to Alabama’s Gulf Coast each year. Restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues across the coast plan special events for locals and visitors. Many gatherings feature live music, themed drinks, and Irish-inspired food. The celebrations range...
Gulf Shores Library Program Helps Bring Comfort to Children in Crisis
By OBA Staff March 12, 2026
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Shores Public Library has achieved a significant milestone with its Helping Hands community service initiative. The group recently delivered its first baskets of handmade crocheted animals to Gulf Shores Fire Rescue and the Gulf Shores Police Department. These soft toys will now...
New Baby Box In Foley Aims To Protect Vulnerable Newborns
By Guy Busby March 11, 2026
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is preparing to open a new Safe Haven Baby Box at its main fire station, providing parents in crisis with a safe and anonymous way to surrender newborns. The project has been in development for several years and is now ready to serve the community. City officials and firefighters say the...
Hugh Branyon Backcountry Trail Aims For Fourth Straight National Title
By R. Ken Cooper March 11, 2026
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is once again in the running for a national title, earning another nomination for USA TODAY’s 10Best Best Recreational Trail. Local leaders and trail users hope to maintain a winning streak. The 10Best awards are determined by online voting. Supporters
Show More