Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores city schools are looking at making improvements at the city’s Sportsplex to expand facilities for the schools’ athletic teams. Those facilities will better accommodate baseball, softball, football, and soccer teams. Work will include new buildings as well as some renovations on existing fields.

The plans will first come to light at the city planning commission’s meeting on Jan. 27 at 4 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall.

The improvements planned include:

• Construction of two 9,000-square-foot field houses for baseball and softball, including locker rooms, coaches’ offices, laundry, and batting cages.
• Adding about 2,100-square feet to the existing football fieldhouse for use by the school’s soccer teams.
• Relocating the existing visitor dugouts.

No action is required by the commission on this item, and funding will come from the Gulf Shores Board of Education.

This new athletics project was announced just as the $7.5 million athletic training facility at the new high school campus at the Foley Beach Express and Coastal Gateway Boulevard is set to open for fall classes.

During the meeting, the council will also discuss:

A request for a 43-lot subdivision for Colonial Traditions phase 3A. City staff will recommend denial of the preliminary plat, saying the plan doesn’t meet emergency standards for fire and police protection, doesn't preserve natural features, including protected live oak trees, and requires research on sewer infrastructure and sidewalks.

An annexation and pre-zoning request from Riveira Properties for nearly 40 acres on the north side of County Road 8 West between State Route 59 and Grund Lane. There are two parcels in the request: a 3.6-acre parcel with proposed general business zoning, and a 36-acre parcel for residential use, including a conceptual plan for 26 lots. Staff will recommend approval.

A request from staff to amend the boundaries of the walking overlay district on the zoning map and a modification of the definition of the overlay district. Staff seeks to “provide the critical mass of activity essential to creating a thriving mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly downtown district” in the area around the intersection of State Route 59 and Beach Boulevard. Staff will recommend approval.