Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) —  Gulf Shores is taking steps to transform the Waterway Village district by proposing to close the Canal Park boat launch to make room for expanded public parking, greenspace, and a scenic canal overlook.

The council work session meeting takes place this evening, Mon, Aug 17, 2026, at 4 PM in Gulf Shores City Hall's Council Chambers.

City Administrator Jon Walker recommended terminating vessel launches at Canal Park under the Highway 59 bridge. Staff noted that the opening of newer facilities—including The Launch at ICW and The Launch at CR6—renders the hazardous Canal Park launch unnecessary. Strong tidal currents, heavy barge traffic, and tight turns for boat trailers pose ongoing safety hazards in the pedestrian-focused district. Closing the launch will allow the city to negotiate with ALDOT to convert the property into public parking and recreational space.

Recreation and Cultural Affairs Director Grant Brown presented design updates for replacing Kids Park at Johnny Sims Park. To meet public demand for synthetic turf over wood mulch, staff outlined budget options ranging from $950,000 for wood fibers to $1.225 million for an all-turf surface. Due to 16-week material lead times, construction will be delayed until Jan 2027, allowing children to use the existing playground through the holiday break.

Infrastructure & Transportation Projects

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  FY 2027 Transportation Plan: Engineering recommended adopting the annual transportation plan by Aug 31 to maintain eligibility for approximately $100,000 in Rebuild Alabama Gas Tax funds. Planned 2027 projects include Waterway Village streetscape improvements, the pedestrian bridge, East 2nd Street improvements, County Road 6 improvements, and annual street resurfacing.
• School Zone Speed Reductions: Public Works Director Noel Hand proposed purchasing 9 signs for about $2,000 to reduce the speed limit from 45 mph to 25 mph during school hours on Coastal Gateway Boulevard and Wavemaker Way near the new high school.
• Subdivision Street Acceptance: Staff presented a request to accept public streets in The Village at Craft Farms Phases 1 and 2 for city maintenance, thereby releasing performance bonds for the developers D.R. Horton and 68 Ventures.

Public Safety & Workforce Adjustments

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  Fire Rescue Pay Compression: HR and Fire Rescue recommended amending the employee pay plan to address salary compression between firefighters and lieutenants. The proposal adjusts pay structures for Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic, Fire EMS Officer, Fire Logistics Officer, and Fire Training & Safety Chief, adding $112,000 in annual costs.
• Administrative Reorganization: HR Director Tonya Wilson submitted plans to reclassify three municipal roles: moving Blake Phelps to Director of Strategic Initiatives; upgrading a part-time accountant to a full-time Grants and Administrative Support Specialist to oversee BUILD and RESTORE grants; and creating a Deputy Director of Engineering and Construction position.
• Executive Recruitment: Proposals were submitted to execute search agreements with Find Great People ($25,000 total) for a Communications and Engagement Director and with Next Move Group ($19,750 total) for an Economic Development Manager.

Planning & Local Governance

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  Oak Place Annexation: Planning Director Scott Stephens presented a request from Oak Place Community LLC for prezoning and annexation of 5.49 acres at 18789 Oak Road West. Staff and the Planning Commission recommend R-1-3 medium-density residential zoning.
• Board Appointment: The Council reviewed a recommendation to appoint Martin Pitts to the Building Board of Adjustments & Appeals for a four-year term ending on Jun 08, 2030.