Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is celebrating new improvements in its downtown area. The city will hold a dedication for upgrades at Heritage Park, Chicago Street, and the new East Jessamine Avenue extension. The event takes place today, Friday, May 30 at 11am. City officials hope the changes will make downtown more welcoming for everyone.

The dedication will be held at the new brick gate on the east side of Heritage Park. The city built the gateway, columns, and pavers to mark the park’s eastern entrance. East Jessamine Avenue now extends from the new gate to Cypress Street. This extension and a new walkway connect the pedestrian bridge over Alabama 59 to Foley City Hall.

North Chicago Street was closed for several weeks during construction. Two new four-way stop signs are now in place on East Jessamine Avenue. The signs are at the intersections with North Chicago Street and North Cypress Street.

The new eastern gate completes brick entrances on all four sides of Heritage Park. Pavers now link the new gate with the Centennial Clock and fountain on the park’s west side. The Jessamine Avenue extension also adds about 20 new parking spaces downtown.

Decorative lights were installed along Jessamine Avenue by the city and Riviera Utilities. Old wooden poles with halogen lights were replaced with black poles holding energy-saving LED lights. These new lights are brighter and more efficient.

The Foley Horticulture Department also planted six trees along the Jessamine extension. The city hopes these changes will make downtown more attractive and easier to visit.