Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — While City officials must sometimes approve new construction projects, they also spend time preserving tranquil areas of nature in Gulf Shores. One such area is the Laguna Cove Nature Park in West Beach.

The Laguna Cove Nature Park is a new park currently in development in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2026. The park is being developed as a conservation area and passive outdoor recreation space, funded by a Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) grant related to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

According to Gulf Shores documents, the City received $4.4 million in Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) funding from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) for the acquisition and protection of the subject property. The property is 53 acres and features approximately 6,100 feet of shoreline on Little Lagoon. The purpose of Laguna Cove Park is to conserve and restore the property's natural resources, provide limited outdoor recreation opportunities, and protect the property from future development.

Conservation is the project's primary focus, with environmentally conscious recreation features including nature trails, wetland boardwalks, birding areas, kayaking access points, and educational spaces. The latest funding will also support the construction of a small restroom facility for visitors.

The initiative began in November 2017 when the Gulf Shores City Council approved a project implementation agreement with ADCNR. Rising construction costs led the city to request additional funding, which was granted to ensure the project’s completion.

Dan Bond, the city’s Director of Natural Resources, expressed gratitude for the funding, stating, “The protection of this property will have a significant impact on the health and vitality of Little Lagoon and its surrounding areas.”

This project is part of a broader effort to restore and protect natural resources in Gulf Shores, which also includes the Oyster Bay & Bon Secour Wetland Restoration Project and the Little Lagoon Restoration Project.