Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) —  A new nature park is taking shape along the shores of Little Lagoon in Gulf Shores. The Laguna Cove Nature Park will span 53 acres at the western end of West Beach Boulevard. The park will provide wetland restoration, outdoor recreation, and protected wildlife habitat. It is among the city's largest conservation projects in recent years.

Construction at the site is moving forward. Curbing and concrete work are progressing, and the eastern boardwalk is nearly complete. Additional boardwalk construction is expected to continue in the coming weeks. The project is being built by Asphalt Services, which won the contract with a $2.6 million bid.

Design services for the park are being provided by Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood. The city acquired the land in 2017 using grant funding. Laguna Cove is fully funded through a Natural Resource Damage Assessment grant from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. That same grant covered the cost of the land purchase.

The park is designed for low-impact use. Planned features include public restrooms, low-impact parking, and kayaking access. Visitors will also be able to enjoy birding and interpretive boardwalks throughout the site. The layout is intended to protect the natural landscape while remaining welcoming to the public.

City officials say the project preserves an important natural area along the Gulf Coast. The land purchase protects the 53-acre property from future commercial or residential development and will serve as a permanent sanctuary for local wildlife and native plant species. Gulf Shores residents and visitors will have a new outdoor destination once the park opens.

The Natural Resource Damage Assessment program funds conservation and restoration projects tied to environmental damage assessments. Gulf Shores has used NRDA funding for several restoration projects in recent years. The Laguna Cove project reflects the city's ongoing commitment to protecting its coastal ecosystems. No city general-fund dollars are being used to cover construction costs.

For more information, visit the Laguna Cove NRDA Restoration Project webpage.