Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is moving ahead with construction plans for a new park in the Mills community. City leaders say the project will bring needed amenities and better connections to nearby areas. The plan includes detailed site work and new sidewalks to link residents to the city. Officials also say the approach should save taxpayers money.

Key approvals came as the Foley City Council authorized services to support the work. The approvals include revising stormwater plans, plus topographic and tree surveys. The city also will rent equipment so Public Works crews can clear the site and assist with building. Those steps position the project to progress in the coming months.

Mills residents voted in 2023 to be annexed into Foley. Since then, city officials have met with residents to discuss the park and other improvements. A recent meeting covered the timeline, the site work, and the sidewalk plans. Leaders said they want the project to reflect community priorities.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said using city crews will reduce costs compared with outside contractors. He noted that the approach could extend the schedule but deliver big savings. “Utilizing city forces may take a little longer,” he said. “But by renting equipment, we can save several hundred thousand dollars.”

Hellmich said Foley has successfully used city forces on parts of other projects. Public Works is set up to handle clearing and similar tasks, he said. Some work, such as laying asphalt, will still be handled by commercial contractors. The mix is designed to keep quality high while lowering costs.

Sidewalks are another focus in Mills as the park takes shape. The city is acquiring easements needed to build the walkways. Narrow roads in the area make designing paths more challenging, officials said. Still, the goal is to connect Mills with other parts of west Foley.

The Mills sidewalks will also link with the expanding system on North Cedar Street. That will give residents more safe routes to schools, shops, and services. The city recently installed a crosswalk at Airport Road and Baldwin County 65. Pedestrians can use it to travel between Mills and areas to the east.

Stormwater planning is a key piece of the construction effort. Updated plans will guide grading and drainage on the park site. Survey work will map the terrain and identify trees to preserve. Officials said that careful preparation will protect the neighborhood and the environment.

City leaders emphasized that the park will serve as a community hub. The site will offer open space and room for future amenities. With the council’s approvals, foundational work can now begin. Residents will see progress as crews move equipment and start clearing.

Foley officials said they appreciate the community’s input and patience. They plan to keep residents informed as milestones are reached. The city’s cost-saving strategy aims to stretch dollars further. If all goes as planned, Mills Park will be a lasting addition to the city.