Gulf State Park
Westward beach vista at Gulf State Park
Map showing the location of Gulf State Park
Map showing the location of Gulf State Park
Location in Alabama
LocationGulf Shores, Alabama, United States
Coordinates30°15′55″N 87°38′28″W / 30.26528°N 87.64111°W / 30.26528; -87.64111
Area6,500 acres (26 km2)
Elevation7 ft (2.1 m)
DesignationAlabama state park
Established1939
AdministratorAlabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
WebsiteGulf State Park

Gulf State Park is a public recreation area on the Gulf of Mexico in the city of Gulf Shores in southern Baldwin County, Alabama. The state park's 6,500 acres (2,600 ha) mostly encompass the land behind the Gulf Shores beach community, between Highway 59 and SH 161, with the west end extending further south to a wide beach area.[1] In addition to beaches, the park includes marshland, boggy tea-colored streams, pine forests, and three spring-fed, fresh-water lakes: Lake Shelby (750 acres or 300 hectares), Middle Lake, and Little Lake.[2] The park is managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, with park enforcement rangers providing around-the-clock security and enforcing anti-littering regulations.[3]

History

The park's facilities, including cabins and a casino, were built in the 1930s by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps working under the auspices of the Federal government.[4] The park opened in 1939 after ownership of the property was transferred to the state.

After weathering multiple hurricanes, the park was devastated by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.[2] Major projects undertaken in the wake of the storm saw the construction of a 1,540-foot (470 m) Gulf of Mexico fishing pier[1] that provides 2,448 feet of fishing space,[5] a 5,000-square-foot swimming pool and splash pad, an interactive nature center, a beach pavilion, and renovation of the campground.

In 2014, the state announced plans to spend $85 million dollars to further renovate the park. The plans included a $56 million lodge and meeting space to replace the lodge destroyed by Hurricane Ivan.[6] The plans were criticized on grounds that money for the project would come from Deepwater Horizon recovery funds which, critics say, should be used for continued cleanup and improvement of the coastal areas. In October 2014, a lawsuit was filed by the Gulf Restoration Network to block use of the funds for the construction of the lodge.[7] State officials said critics misunderstand the plans.[6] The new facility, called The Lodge at Gulf State Park, opened in 2018.[8]

The park's concessionaire-operated zip-line course was closed in 2016.[9] The park's 18-hole golf course was closed permanently in 2018.[10]

Awards

In September 2020, Gulf State Park was one of eleven Alabama state parks awarded Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award, which recognizes businesses and attractions that earn consistently high user reviews.[11]

Activities and amenities

The park includes 2.5 miles (4.0 km) of white sand beaches, a modern campground,[12] and nature trails,[13] both fresh and saltwater fishing and swimming, a lodge and cottages plus campsites for both RVs and tents.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Gulf State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
  2. 1 2 Ress, Thomas V. (March 23, 2012). "Gulf State Park". Encyclopedia of Alabama. Alabama Humanities Foundation. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  3. ↑ Anderson, Mark D. (February 6, 2015). "Gulf Shores determined to keep beaches clean through proposed litter ordinance, enforcement". AL.com. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  4. ↑ "A Long Local History". Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Pier". Gulf State Park. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
  6. 1 2 Pillion, Dennis (March 20, 2015). "'Misunderstood' Gulf State Park Project on track for 2018 completion, executive director says". AL.com. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  7. ↑ Pillion, Dennis (October 24, 2014). "Gulf State Park convention center challenged in lawsuit; Group calls project 'shocking misuse of restoration funds". AL.com. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  8. ↑ Moseley, Brandon (November 12, 2018). "The Lodge at Gulf State Park opens on schedule". Alabama Political Reporter. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
  9. ↑ "State decision drops Gulf State Park zipline operator into free-fall". AL.com. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
  10. ↑ "Dec. 2 is last day for Gulf State Park golf course". AL.com. November 15, 2018. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
  11. ↑ "Trip Advisor Awards 2020". Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. September 3, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
  12. ↑ "RV and Primitive Campground". Gulf State Park. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
  13. ↑ "Hiking and Biking Trails". Gulf State Park. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
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